§ Mr. Ernest G. Perryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in the proposed amalgamation of Marianne Thornton and Clapham County Girls Schools for which her approval has been sought; when she proposes to make known her decision; and whether she will intimate her intentions in this matter to the hon. Member for Battersea, South.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe Inner London Education Authority published Notices, under Section 13 of the Education Act, 1944, on 1st January of their proposals to cease to maintain Clapham County and Marianne Thornton Secondary Girls Schools and to establish a new comprehensive school in the premises of the existing schools. There followed a period of two months during which objections could be submitted to the Department, and my right hon. Friend is now awaiting the Authority's comments on the objections that have been received. She will make her decision as soon as possible thereafter and will then inform the hon. Member.