HC Deb 10 November 1966 vol 735 cc1525-6
34. Mr. Awdry

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many village schools have been closed in Wiltshire since October 1964.

Mr. Redhead

Seven.

Mr. Awdry

Is the Minister of State aware that these closures arouse very strong local feeling? Will he undertake that such feeling will be taken into account before any decisions are taken?

Mr. Redhead

All proposals by local education authorities to close schools require the approval of the Secretary of State under Section 13(4) of the Education Act, 1944, following public notice of the proposals and an opportunity for the lodging of objections. Before giving a decision my right hon. Friend considers all relevant factors that are proper to be considered in this context.