HC Deb 19 March 1979 vol 964 cc435-6W
Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the proposal of Ealing council to sell a county school to a religious organisation, in the light of opposition by clergymen belonging to that organisation and all the educational unions.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Under the provisions of section 13 of the 1944 Education Act, the approval of the Secretary of State is required before a local education authority can close a county school and promoters establish a voluntary aided school in the premises.

No proposals have yet been submitted by the Ealing local education authority or by the church authorities in that area. If this happens, objections may be submitted to my Department during the two-month period of public notice that must be given.

In view of the Secretary of State's statutory position in the event of formal proposals being submitted, I cannot comment further at this stage.