§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state his policy with the regard to the closure of surplus schools, together with the criteria he applies in deciding when a school is and is likely to remain surplus to requirements.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend expects proposals made under the 1980 Education Act to cease to maintain schools to be based on a careful evaluation of their educational and financial merits. In deciding whether to approve such proposals he would take into account the expected demand for places, and he would wish to be satisfied that the new arrangements offered an education better suited to the needs of pupils of all abilities than would be offered by those they replace. These criteria will be elaborated and further explained in the forthcoming Circular "Providing for Quality" which has been issued for comment in draft form.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration is given to likely changes in demand for secondary education over the next decade when reaching decisions on closure applications.
§ Mr. DunnThe forecast demand for places at a school is one of the factors which my right hon. Friend weighs carefully in considering proposals made under the 1980 Education Act to cease to maintain the school.