§ 21. Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will bear in mind, when considering applications for school closures, whether there was a narrow majority in the vote in council and the proximity of the May election.
§ Dr. BoysonMy right hon. and learned Friend will continue to consider all proposals which fall to him for decision on their merits. Among factors he will take into account are the volume and substance of any objections and other representations made. If such representations include the matters referred to by the hon. Member, my right hon. and learned Friend will take note of them.
§ Mr. Rhodes Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many secondary schools of approximately 350–450 pupil size in the maintained sector have been closed in the last two years; and how many proposals for closure have been put to him by local education authorities.
§ Dr. BoysonThis information is not available in the form requested by my hon. Friend. During 1979 my right hon. and learned Friend approved proposals by local education authorities to cease to maintain four secondary schools with between 350 and 450 on roll; the238W corresponding figure in 1980 was two. The total number of approvals in respect of secondary school closures was 16 in 1979 and 29 in 1980.