§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in considering any proposals from Berkshire county council for the closure of Hephaistos school for disabled boys, he will ensure that the widespread and substantial support for the continuation of the school is taken into account; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonThe discontinuance of maintained special schools does not require my right hon. and learned Friend's approval. However, I am advised that the Berkshire education committee has recently referred back for further consideration a recommendation by its schools sub-committee that the Hephaistos special school should be closed and has instructed that the reappraisal should take into careful account the arguments put forward by those who wish the school to remain open.