§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what explanation he has received from Surrey county council of the fact that its forecasts of future pupil numbers in support of the proposed closure of the Queen Elizabeth II and Sheerwater county secondary schools in Woking were not based on Office of Population, Census and Surveys statistics, although it is the authority's normal practice to rely on such statistics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonI understand the the Surrey local education authority obtained statistics of live births in Woking from both OPCS and the district health authority. The authority has informed my right hon. and learned Friend that it based its forecasts of future demand for480W secondary school places on the DHA statistics because these could be compiled for areas corresponding to the catchment areas of the related primary schools, and because for as far ahead as demand could be predicted from actual births they produced the higher forecasts.
In reaching his decision on Surrey's proposals my right hon. and learned Friend will take full account of the available statistical information and other relevant factors, including the views of objectors to the proposals.