§ 43. Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in considering applications from local education authorities under section 13 of the Education Act 1944 to close or amalgamate schools due to falling rolls, whether he takes into consideration popular support for a school, as shown by past over-subscription to that school.
§ Dr. BoysonIn considering closure and amalgamation proposals my right hon. and learned Friend has to weigh 151W a whole series of factors, one of which is certainly the popularity of the schools concerned. Other considerations include the fall in rolls in the area; the quality of education in the schools concerned and in the alternative schools; the condition of the buildings; the savings to be made; the weight of objections; and the value of the schools to the community.