§ 7. Mr. Michael Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received about the proposed closure of Glan Taf school.
§ Mr. Barry JonesMy right hon. and learned Friend has received 47 letters and a petition signed by 3,100 persons objecting to the South Glamorgan Authority's proposals to cease to maintain the Glan Taf High School and to establish a bilingual school in the premises.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes the Under-Secretary agree that closing a community comprehensive school without a public meeting is an act of folly on the part of the local authority? Would he agree also that, the local authority having refused the request for a public meeting, the least he can now do is to have a public inquiry 850 as part of the great debate, because the parents will not be satisfied with anything less?
§ Mr. JonesIndividual parents met the local authority. We shall be giving very careful consideration to the case, and every expression of view will be taken into account. With regard to the hon. Gentleman's last point, the normal practice is to consider a Section 13 proposal on the basis of written submissions.