§ Mr. Coxasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many village schools have closed in each education authority in the United Kingdom during each of the last five years.
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§ Mr. DunnThe numbers of rural school closures in England are as follows:
Primary Secondary Total 1981 88 1 89 1982 75 1 76 1983 127 4 131 1984 100 3 103 1985 50 6 56 The numbers of closures by education authority could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The figures for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Northern Ireland, and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the procedures that are followed before a village school can be closed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnA local education authority which intends to close a school must first publish its proposals in accordance with section 12 of the Education Act 1980. Guidance on procedures to be followed is contained in the Department's circulars 2/80, 2/81, 4/82 and administrative memorandum 4/84, copies of which are available in the Library.