§ 19. Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications for school closures are currently being considered by his Department; and what is the average length of time they have been awaiting decisions.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend is currently considering 84 proposals to cease to maintain schools. The average length of time since the date of publication of these proposals is 5.4 months; this includes the period of two months allowed for the receipt of objections and the further month for the local education authority to comment on these.