§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment his Department has made of the educational value of the continuation of small rural schools in the primary sector; and what is the view of the Scottish Office towards maintaining the services offered by these schools.
§ Mr. YoungerThe standards of educational provision in rural schools are regularly assessed as part of the continuous programme of inspections carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectorate and in general I am well satisfied with the quality of education provided in these schools. In addition, my Department has in recent years participated in various studies of the provision of education in rural areas. At a time of falling school rolls and the need to achieve economies in public expenditure, it is inevitable that the future of rural schools will come under review. The educational, social and economic implications of any proposed closure are matters in the first place for the education authority concerned, but each case submitted to me is considered on its merits.
§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received against the proposed closure by the Highlands regional council of several one-teacher and two-teacher primary schools; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that rural schools are allowed to continue in existence.
§ Mr. YoungerI have received four letters objecting to the possible closure of small rural primary schools in the Highland area. As yet, however, the regional council has not submitted any such closure proposals for my approval. Should it do so, I would consider carefully each application on its merits, taking all the relevant factors into account, including the educational needs of the children, the views of parents and other interests concerned, and the economic considerations.