§ Lord Denningasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Department for Education was correct in stating, in a letter dated 21st May 1992, that "finally on Dorking St. Martin's and Ottershaw schools, I confirm that the proceeds of sale of the original school sites are being held upon trust by the vicar and churchwardens of the appropriate parishes by virtue of Section 1(2) of the Reverter of Sites Act 1987", and whether the department will in any event take steps to ascertain what are those proceeds, together with supporting documents, and to see that the trust is implemented.
§ The Minister of State, Department for Education (Baroness Blatch)The statement made in the department's letter dated 21st May 1992 about the 95WA proceeds of sale of the original schools sites of Dorking St. Martin's and Ottershaw schools was incorrect. These proceeds of sale are held upon trust by the Guildford Diocesan Board of Finance in accordance with Article 5(1), (9) and (10) of the Diocese of Guildford (Educational Endowments) Order 1990 (S.I 1990/2530).
The department does not hold details of the proceeds of sale of the former schools' premises, but will take steps to obtain further information if requested to make a determination of the proceeds in favour of the local education authority under paragraph 7 of Schedule 1 to the Education Act 1946.