HC Deb 18 May 1982 vol 24 cc183-4
15. Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will refuse to give his consent to the merger of Old Hall high school and Ormonde high school, Merseyside.

Dr. Boyson

My right hon. Friend will consider these proposals carefully in accordance with his statutory responsibilities and in the light of all relevant factors, including the views of the objectors.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

Will the Minister accept that the views of the objectors have been articulate and that those of my constituents who have children at Old Hall high school are satisfied with the education that it provides and do not want it to close or to be merged with any neighbouring school, however admirable it may be? Will the Minister give an assurance that parental choice will remain effective?

Dr. Boyson

We should always welcome a sinner who repents and believes in parental choice. I trust that the hon. Gentleman will speak to the hon. Member for Bedwellty (Mr. Kinnock). As the hon. Member for Ormskirk (Mr. Kilroy-Silk) is now approaching reason, he will no doubt listen most carefully. We cannot comment on the matter. In a quasi-judicial capacity, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State must ultimately reach a decision. The proposals were published only on 2 April and the Department will not receive them until July. I have already received one deputation led by a Member of Parliament and I assure the hon. Gentleman—after that question, I almost called him my hon. Friend—that we shall consider carefully all the objections and whether parental choice would be enhanced or reduced.

Mr. Cormack

Will my hon. Friend look with particular sympathy on the request made by the hon. Member for Ormskirk (Mr. Kilroy-Silk)? Will he also look very critically at any proposal to amalgamate or abolish schools, particularly if it involves creating very large schools?

Dr. Boyson

I know the strength of my hon. Friend's feelings and I give him the assurance that he seeks. In 1986 there will be 3 million fewer children in school than 10 years earlier. Therefore, we must consider the size of schools and whether they all need to exist. At the same time, we shall ensure that we do not back amalgamation if it is unnecessary.