HC Deb 23 November 1950 vol 481 cc487-8
19. Mr. Oliver Lyttelton

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the proposal to close down the Robert May's Grammar School, Odiham, which has been established for over three hundred years; and what action he proposes to take to prevent the educational facilities of the area, which are already inadequate, being reduced for an indefinite period.

Mr. Tomlinson

This school is assisted financially by the Hampshire local education authority under the provisions of Part III of the Primary and Secondary Schools (Grant Conditions) Regulations. The authority have not yet informed me that they propose to withdraw their assistance though I am aware that they contemplate taking this step. I will examine the proposal when it reaches me in relation to the educational facilities in the area.

General Sir George Jeffreys

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware how very strong is the local feeling regarding the suggested closing of this school with all its ancient associations and all the good work that it has done, and is he also aware that there is a great shortage of grammar school accommodation in that part of North Hampshire?

Mr. Tomlinson

I will take these things into consideration. There is not a single school which has been closed anywhere in the country where the associations relating to the school have not considered the action undesirable.