§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will state her Department's policy towards the closure of small schools in primary areas.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonOur general policy, which is set out in circular 5/77, "Falling Numbers and School Closures", is to approve proposals to cease to maintain under-used primary schools where there are educational and financial benefits in doing so. But each proposal is carefully examined on its merits and in the light of any objections received and 357W due weight is given to the social geographical and, where appropriate, denominational arguments.