§ 39 and 40. Sir P. Agnewasked the Minister of Education (1) if he is aware that the number of children, at present 25, attending Ripple Primary School is likely to increase owing to more houses having been planned for the village, and that one of the two teachers now due for retirement is willing to teach part-time under any new head teacher appointed; and if he will take those facts into consideration before deciding the future of the school;
(2) what representations he has received from the parish council, school managers and the Worcestershire Diocesan Education Board against the proposal to close Ripple Primary School and compel the parents to send their children four miles to Upton; and if he will make further inquiries before deciding whether to approve such a project.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonAll three bodies have written objecting to the proposal to close this school and covering the points mentioned. My right hon. Friend will obtain the comments of the local education authority and make any other inquiries he thinks necessary before reaching a decision.
§ Sir P. AgnewDoes my hon. Friend recognise that this school furnishes an example of cold administration being in conflict with human considerations which may affect the very continuance of the corporate life of the village?
§ Mr. ThompsonWe shall try to deal with the facts when we get them with that point in mind.