§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so, but should it prove possible I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would wish me to call in on Grunty Fen first.
§ Mr. FreudIs the Prime Minister aware that the people of Witcham may well lose their excellent village school so that the local education authority can save the cost of two assisted places? Does she not agree that poverty—about which she is so concerned—can also be induced by depriving rural areas of essential amenities, such as village schools?
§ The Prime MinisterI share the hon. Gentleman's wish to maintain rural schools, and I always have done. This is a matter for the hon. Gentleman and his local education authority. I understand that proposals have not yet been put to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. 189 I am sure that they will be. In the meantime, I am happy that Witcham's population of 251 has a high standard of employment and very few troubles.