§ Mr. Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what factors he takes into account when considering proposals by local education authorities to cease to maintain church schools; and whether he has regard to representations made by the affected church authorities.
§ Dr. Rhodes BoysonAny statutory proposal to cease to maintain a school, whether county or voluntary, is examined on its individual merits in the light of the educational interests of the pupils concerned, the objections or other representations received including those from church authorities, the expenditure factors involved and all matters relevant to the case. Among these are my right hon. Friend's policies for education, which include sustaining a balance between the county and voluntary sectors appropriate to each area, having regard to factors such as parental choice.