HC Deb 20 December 1983 vol 51 cc259-60
6. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will publish guidelines to be used when closures of village schools are proposed.

Mr. Dunn

My right hon. Friend sees no need to change the present procedures. Proposals to close village schools, like proposals for all schools, are decided on their merits, having regard to all the relevant factors involved.

Mr. Knox

Is my hon. Friend aware of the deep concern about the closure of village schools? Does he think that publishing guidelines about the size of schools, distances of alternative schools, travelling conditions and so on would be helpful in reassuring the public?

Mr. Dunn

We have made such details known from time to time, in particular in a recent Adjournment debate, of which I shall send my hon. Friend a copy. There may be good and special reasons for keeping a small school open. When that is so, my right hon. Friend decides accordingly. When such reasons do not exist, it is not sensible to devote scarce education resources to keeping such places in use because that diverts resources from better uses, perhaps for a school in another village.

Mr. Penhaligon

Is the Minister aware that in my area the county council, district councils, parish councils, Members of Parliament and the villages concerned do not want to close schools? Why is the Minister receiving applications to close them?

Mr. Dunn

Applications are made on the ground that existing financial resources can be better used elsewhere. I am always ready to see any hon. Member with a deputation relating to a section 12 proposal, including the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner).

Mr. Lord

Can my hon. Friend confirm that when a local education authority is considering closing a small village school it is vital that it explains carefully whether it is closing that school for educational or for financial reasons, and that it does not confuse the two?

Mr. Dunn

I agree that it is incumbent upon local education authorities to give as much information as possible about why it is proposed to close a school.