§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the release of information, if asked for, which is supplied by local education authorities concerning school closures upon which his decision is required.
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§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend's policy on this matter is set out in paragraph 15 of administrative memorandum 4/84, a copy of which is available in the Library.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make it his practice to give reasons for his decision regarding the closure of schools.
§ Mr. DunnIt is the Secretary of State's policy to give his reason whenever he rejects proposals made under sections 12 to 15 of the Education Act 1980. It is not his practice to give reasons for approving proposals, but it is implicit in such a decision that he has concluded that the case put forward by the proposers outweighs that made out by objectors. He has no plans to change these arrangements.