HC Deb 03 February 1953 vol 510 c1652
42. Commander Donaldson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many village schools have been closed in the counties of Roxburgh and Selkirk during the past five years; for what reasons they have been closed; and what plans he has in mind for their re-opening.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

No schools have been closed in Selkirk, three have been closed in Roxburgh. In each case the roll had fallen to five or six pupils. The education authority would reopen the schools if the number of pupils became large enough to justify their doing so.

Commander Donaldson

Whilst thanking my hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask him and his right hon. Friend to keep in mind the necessity for retaining the village schools in Scotland wherever possible, since they greatly reflect the agricultural background of the country?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir, most certainly.