HC Deb 27 January 1949 vol 460 cc1077-8
5. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Education how many primary schools have been closed in Wales since the operation of the Education Act, 1944; how many were regarded as rural schools; in how many instances were objections received; how many local inquiries were held; and what are the figures for both Breconshire and Radnorshire.

Mr. Tomlinson

Forty primary schools in Wales have been closed since 1st April, 1945; of these, 38 were in rural areas. Objections were received in 15 cases, but no local inquiries were held. In Breconshire 6 schools have been closed, all in rural areas, and objections were received in two cases. The figures for Radnor-shire are the same as those for Breconshire.

Mr. Watkins

Does not the Minister think there are limitations on the number of schools which should be closed in Wales at the present time; and will he say what redress parents have if they put forward any objections and no inquiries take place?

Mr. Tomlinson

I agree that there is a limit to the closures that can take place, but when I point out that 35 of the schools I have named had less than 30 on the roll, I think my hon. Friend will realise something of the problem. On the question of an inquiry, I can assure my hon. Friend that when objections are raised, such an inquiry, if needed, would be held to ascertain the facts required in order to come to a decision.

Mrs. Manning

Could I have my right hon. Friend's assurance that when these rural schools are closed for the purpose of giving higher education to the older children, the little children will not have to travel too far, and that, if they do have to travel, proper facilities will be made available for this purpose?

Mr. Tomlinson

By law, those facilities have to be made available.