§ 17. Mr. Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many proposals made by local education authorities under the provisions of section 12 of the Education Act 1980 have been transmitted to him in consequence of objections made in accordance with that section; and whether he is satisfied with the manner in which the provisions of that section relating to objections are being implemented.
§ Mr. DunnProposals made by local education authorities under section 12 of the 1980 Act fall to be decided by my right hon. Friend if they attract objections as defined by the Act; if they are called in under section 12(5); or if they are proposals to cease to maintain voluntary schools. Many proposals in the last two categories also attract objections. Since August 1980, when section 12 came into force, 236 proposals have been decided by my right hon. Friend and his predecessor solely because they attracted objections. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the provisions of the Act relating to objections are working satisfactorily.