HC Deb 10 April 1968 vol 762 cc1342-3
4. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy with regard to one-teacher schools in the rural areas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Millan

Any proposal of an education authority for the closure of a school requires my right hon. Friend's approval, and he considers each case on its merits. In general, children are believed to gain social and educational advantages from being taught in a larger school community and in more homogeneous age groups than obtain in one-teacher schools, but other factors such as the condition of existing buildings, the availabilty of teachers, the distances which children would have to travel and the wishes of parents are also taken into account.

Mr. Maclennan

While thanking my hon. Friend for that full reply, and recognising the difficulties in sparsely populated areas of Scotland, may I ask him to confirm that teachers in a number of one-teacher schools, throughout the Highlands in particular, provide very adequate facilities and do an excellent job of work?

Mr. Millan

I have pleasure in confirming that. Any proposals for a closure come to us from an education authority and are not initiated by us. They are considered on their merits.

Mr. Russell Johnston

Would the Minister also confirm that it is often an extremely important part of the whole education of the child that, as far as possible, he should be educated in the community in which he is brought up?

Mr. Millan

That is certainly another very important consideration, which we keep in mind.