HC Deb 24 October 1946 vol 428 cc18-9
27. Mr. York

asked the Minister of Education whether she is aware that the county council of the West Riding of Yorkshire have decided to close Laverton Dallowgill School in spite of the opposition of every resident in this moorland district; whether she is aware of the additional hardships to the children this will cause; and if she will refuse her consent to the proposal.

Miss Wilkinson

A proposal to close this school has been received from the West Riding Local Education Authority who have given the requisite statutory notice. Before such a closure can become effective my approval will be necessary, but no decision can be reached before the period for the publication of the notice expires, on 28th December, 1946. I have received a petition from parents and residents of Dallowgill objecting to the proposed closure, and this will receive my careful consideration before a decision is reached.

Mr. York

Would the right hon. Lady come and see for herself, before making a decision on this matter, how necessary it is that a school should remain in this moorland area?

Miss Wilkinson

I am afraid that I really cannot promise to visit every school which it is wished to close.