§ 4. Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many proposed closures of secondary schools he has declined to approve since 1982.
§ Mr. DunnBetween 1 January 1982 and 30 September 1983 my right hon. Friend rejected 16 proposals which would have entailed the closure of 32 secondary schools. Some of those schools have been the subject of further proposals.
§ Mr. AtkinsonIs my hon. Friend aware of the great disappointment caused by his decision to support the closure of Beaufort school, which is one of the most popular and over-subscribed schools in my constituency? How does he reconcile that decision with the Secretary of State's often repeated and justified support for the principle of parental choice?
§ Mr. DunnI am aware of the case to which my hon. Friend refers. However, we must review secondary school provision in the light of falling rolls, and some schools must close if our objective is to be met.