HC Deb 09 March 1984 vol 55 cc728-9W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many times in the past year appeal committees have adjudicated on placing requests for primary schools under the Education (Scotland) Act 1981; and in how many instances the committee ruled in favour of the placing request;

(2) how many placing requests for primary schools have been made in the last year under section 28A of the Education (Scotland) Act 1981; and how many were approved and how many refused.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Information about placing requests received in the year ending 31 July 1983, the latest period for which this information is available, is contained in Scottish Education Department statistical bulletin No. 9/B6/1983, a copy of which was sent to the hon. Member and copies of which were placed in the Library.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many letters and representations he has now received from individuals and organisations in Dundee regarding the consultation procedures being carried out by Tayside region on the proposed closure of primary schools in Dundee.

Mr. Allan Stewart

My right hon. Friend has received 17 such letters and representations referring to the generality of Tayside regional council's recent proposals for closure of primary schools in the Dundee area. Eight included specific reference to the consultation procedures adopted by the council, of which 3 registered complaints under section 70 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. These complaints are being investigated by my Department.