HC Deb 16 June 1981 vol 6 c344W
Mr. John H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has for school closures, involving some Church of England schools, in Sheffield, and in particular St. Silas and Clifford, in the Hallam division; and if he is satisfied with the validity of these proposals.

Dr. Boyson

Section 12 of the Education Act 1980 requires local education authorities to publish proposals, and to submit them to my right hon. and learned Friend, if they intend to cease to maintain a county or a voluntary school. Currently no such proposals have been published and submitted by the Sheffield local education authority in respect of Church of England schools; any proposal to cease to maintain a voluntary school would require my right hon. and learned Friend's approval.