HC Deb 13 February 1947 vol 433 cc514-5
36. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement on the resolution of protest against the closing of 40 Lindsey village schools passed by the Caistor Rural District Council, of which a copy has been sent to him; and if he will reconsider the policy of centralising rural schools in the light of its unpopularity amongst the village population.

Mr. Tomlinson

The resolution referred to in the Question has not reached the Ministry, nor has the instalment of the Lincolnshire Education Authority's development plan for the Caistor area. Apart from any action which may be taken on the plan under Section 11 of the Education Act, 1944, any proposals by the local education authority to discontinue the maintenance of existing schools will necessitate the publication of notices under Section 13 of the Act, and at that stage each case will receive careful consideration by the Ministry before approval is given.

Mr. Osborne

Would the Minister say where the resolution has got to, since it was sent to his Ministry some weeks ago?

Mr. Tomlinson

I have not the slightest idea.