List D Schools (Hansard, 27 January 1986)

§ Mr. Steel
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if any progress has been made to clarify the position of last D schools at Balncraig, Balrossie, Kerelaw, Kibble, Oakbank, Rossie and St. Mary's, Kenmure, respectively;
(2) if he will list the facilities available to those children displaced by the closure of list D schools, in each region.

§ Mr. Rifkind
I understand that these schools intend to continue after 31 March 1986. The redundancy notices issued to the staff of St. Mary's, Kenmure, on 27 December 1985 were withdrawn by the managers on 10 January 1986 following discussion between the churches and Strathclyde region.
The case of each child affected by closure of a list D school will be reviewed by a children's hearing. Local authorities are responsible for providing or securing the provision of facilities including residential and other accommodation, and full information on this is not held centrally.

§ Mr. Steel
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the alternative provisions available to cater for the needs of children displaced by the closure of List D schools; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Rifkind
Regional authorities are at present negotiating the terms on which financial support will be offered to the list D schools whose services they require. The total capacity of the list D system currently exceeds demand by some 240. Two schools have so far intimated that they intend to close. Authorities are responsible for providing or securing the provision of facilities, including residential and other accommodation. It is not for me to intervene in these matters, but my Department will continue to respond sympathetically to any requests for advice from the parties to the negotiations. Full information about local facilities is not held centrally.
The case of each child affected by closure will be reviewed by a children's hearing. The review will not necessarily lead to transfer of the child to another residential establishment. It is open to the hearing to vary the terms of the supervision requirement.