§ Mr. Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research is carried out by his Department into future requirements in primary schools; what discussions he has in this respect with local education authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Edward ShortFuture national requirements for new primary schools depend on the increase in and movement of the school population. On the first, my Department, after consultation with the General Register Office and the Government Actuary's Department, publishes annual forecasts: the latest appeared in Statistics of Education 1968, Vol. 1, Table 45. On the second, the Local Government Operational Research Unit is at present carrying out research at my request into the relationship between the provision of new housing and the demand for new school places. At the local level my Department is constantly in touch with local education authorities about both aspects of the matter.
§ Mr. Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice he gives to local education authorities regarding the advance notification which should be given to parents on the availability of places in primary schools.
§ Miss BaconThis is a matter best left to individual local education authorities