§ 9. Mr. HARRISasked the President of the Board of Education what is the total number of rural schools which have been closed on account of their small attendance, with the consent of the Board of Education, during each of the last five years; what is the number of schools closed within the area of the respective county or other local education authorities; what was the average number of pupils on the roll in such closed schools; and what was the highest and lowest roll?
§ Lord E. PERCYThe total number of rural public elementary schools closed in each of the five years from 1922–23 to 1926–27 was 102, 54, 33, 39 and 36, respectively. With comparatively few exceptions, all these schools were closed because the small number of children in attendance could be satisfactorily accommodated in other schools. I am sending the hon. Member a tabular statement showing the number of schools closed in the years in question in each of the county areas concerned. As regards the last two parts of the question, the collection of statistics of the number of children on the rolls of the schools at the date of closure would involve a large expenditure of time and labour which I should not feel justified in undertaking.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the Noble Lord satisfied that the closing of these schools has not meant any hardship to the children in the matter of long journeys?
§ Lord E. PERCYYes, I am satisfied.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it the case that a large number of these schools have been closed, not because the number of children in attendance was less than in previous years, but because it is the policy to see if the children can be conveyed to other schools where there are greater facilities?
§ Lord E. PERCYGenerally speaking, I think the hon. Member will find that in all these cases there have been reductions in the numbers.
§ Major COLFOXIs the Noble Lord aware that the closing of some of these schools has made it very difficult for employers of labour in rural districts to get men for the work which is available, and has prevented people who want employment from getting employment, owing to the very great distance which the children will have to travel to school.
§ Lord E. PERCYI know this question is one in which there is a great deal of differing local opinion. Generally speaking, I think from the point of view of the Board the local authority must be regarded as probably the best judge of difficulties of the kind which my hon. and gallant Friend has mentioned. But the subject is too large for discussion by question and answer.
§ Lord E. PERCYI have no case that I can remember at this moment. If the hon. Member knows of a case perhaps he will inform me.
§ Mr. E. BROWNDoes not the Noble Lord think the figures he has quoted are a very grave comment on the rate at which rural depopulation is going on?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is another matter.