§ 42. Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the reduction or closure of voluntary schools in the face of falling school rolls.
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§ Dr. BoysonWhile my right hon. Friend believes that, as is appropriate to the needs of each area, a balance between the county and voluntary sectors should be sustained, having regard to such factors as parental choice, he recognises that the compelling educational and financial arguments for taking surplus places out of use apply as much to voluntary as to county schools. He looks to voluntary bodies to play their part, alongside and in consultation with local education authorities, in the rationalisation of the school system required by declining pupil numbers; and he considers all statutory proposals to that end on their merits.