HC Deb 15 December 1966 vol 738 cc643-4
24. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on how many occasions he has refused to sanction the setting up of a Welsh school when the local education committee has been in favour of such a school; and what were the grounds for refusal in each case.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

None, Sir.

Mr. Hooson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of a recent report about a case in North Wales, in Denbighshire, where the Ministry refused to confirm the view of the local education authority that such a school should be established at Coedpoeth? Would he confirm or deny that report?

Mr. Roberts

If the hon. and learned Gentleman is thinking of the proposal for a school at Coedpoeth, in Wrexham I assure him that my Department has not refused the proposal in that case, but has asked the local education authority to consider an alternative possibility.

Sir E. Boyle

As one who has had the pleasure of opening one of these schools, at a place which I will not attempt to pronounce, is it not clear that in this, as with primary schools, educational development must be considered to be educationally viable in all cases and that nobody stands to gain from a project which cannot work out sensibly in educational terms?

Mr. Roberts

I am glad to agree with the right hon. Gentleman. I believe that the place which he felt unable to attempt to pronounce is Rhydfelen.