HC Deb 06 December 1951 vol 494 cc306-7W
119. Colonel Ropner

asked the Minister of Education if she will make a statement as to the Government's policy with regard to village schools.

Miss Horsbrugh

As a general policy I have no desire to encourage the closure of village schools. Apart from those cases where the schools are closed under Sec- tion 14 of the Act on the managers' initiative, public notices have to be published and my approval obtained. My hon. Friend may take it that it is my intention to examine each proposal carefully in the light of all the circumstances and, in particular, the best interests of the children concerned.