§ 12. Mr. Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from the parents' association in the village of Carnock regarding the proposed closure of the primary school; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robert HughesTwo letters from the Carnock New School Action Committee, in addition to correspondence with my hon. Friend, but since I have not received any proposal from Fife Education Authority to close the school it would be premature for me to make a statement.
§ Mr. HunterIs my hon. Friend aware that there are real fears in Carnock that this will eventually mean the end of full primary education in the village? Since Carnock has had primary education for 100 years, does it not seem strange that when the population is increasing the education authority should seek to avoid building a school there? Is my hon. Friend aware that any intention to transfer second and third tier classes will be firmly resisted and regarded as a subversion of full primary education?
§ Mr. HughesWe have received no proposal from the Fife Education Authority. Until we receive such proposals, I cannot comment. Any proposal to close the school or to transfer pupils will require the approval of my right hon. Friend. We shall certainly take into account the views of parents if and when we have to make a decision.