§ 95. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Education if she is aware that the Somerset County Council economy proposals will mean that some 67 village schools will be closed and that some 100 Somerset teachers will be redundant; and if she will give an assurance that she will refuse her consent to such measures.
§ Miss HorsbrughI am aware that the local education authority are considering certain proposals for closing nursery schools and some small primary schools. I have reminded them that my policy is to maintain intact the essential fabric of the education service and that indiscriminate closure of schools of any type would not be appropriate. I expect the authority to examine all the circumstances of each case, as I shall do when any proposals to close schools are submitted to me.