§ 20. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Minister of Education how many objections he has received to the closing or merging of secondary technical schools; in how 76W many of these cases the objections have been successful; and what action is taken to ensure that parents' wishes are taken fully into consideration in such cases.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonIn the last three years, seven opposed proposals were submitted of which six were approved. My right hon. Friend always gives as much weight to parents' wishes as he can consistently with the requirements of Section 76 of the Education Act.
§ 21. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Minister of Education how many secondary technical schools such as the one serving Accrington and district have been closed down or amalgamated with other schools during the last two years; and how many now remain as separate units.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonDuring the calendar years 1959 and 1960, 50 secondary technical schools or departments were closed or amalgamated with other schools. During the same period 14 new schools were established. In January, 1961, there were 228 separate technical schools or departments and l8 more are in course of building.