§ 14. Mr. David Porterasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance he gave the delegates from Suffolk county council in July on removing surplus places in schools in non-metropolitan areas: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnI received the delegates on behalf of my right hon. Friend. I advised them that in the light of the fall in school rolls my right hon. Friend expects local education authorities to consider the scope for rationalisation of school provision in all areas; and that in formulating proposals he expects local education authorities to bear in mind the advice in the Department's circular 3/87.
§ Mr. PorterIs my hon. Friend aware that to follow those procedures in Suffolk alone would mean taking out 3,500 primary places and 7,600 secondary places? That could only mean massive school closures. In the light of that, and in the light of the Government's open enrolment policy, how will he further advise Suffolk county council?
§ Mr. DunnAt the moment Suffolk county council is responsible for the maintenance and provision of schools in its local education authority area. Proposals to close schools are never arrived at easily, but are always dealt with by the Department of Education and Science in a quasi-judicial sense. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has proposals with him at the moment and it would not be right for me to comment upon them.