§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list on an annual basis the number of times the procedures under section 14 of the Education Act 1981 have been used, indicating the local education authorities involved, the special schools proposed for closure, the ones that were closed and the alternative provision made for them.
§ Mr. ForthThe information is not readily available in the form requested. The following list identifies special schools closed under section 14 procedures for each calendar year 1988–1992, including those which formed part of wider reorganisation proposals, where for example the establishment of a new special school following closure proposals involving several schools. Before approving proposals for the closure of special schools the Secretary of State must be satisfied that the alternative arrangements for pupils are satisfactory.
For the period 1983–1988, "Statistics of Education" published annually by HMSO show the total number of LEA maintained special schools.
602W
Special Schools closed 1988–1992 under proposals under section 14 of the Education Act 1981 Date of closure 1988 Cheshire Torpenhow School 31 August 1988
§ Mr. ForthThe campaign to provide parents with information about testing has not yet ended. My right hon. Friend will announce the number of requests received in due course. An initial distribution of 981,000 copies of the leaflet was made to schools, libraries and local education authorities.