§ Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has reached conclusions following his consultations about the future of List D schools.
§ Mr. YoungerIn the statement which I made on 9 February 1983 at column 357, I said that I would examine how the List D schools might best be used within the range of child care services and the demands likely to be made on them in the future. On 22 August 1983 my Department circulated a consultative memorandum which drew attention to the continuing decline in demand for places at the schools and to a number of considerations which argued for closer integration with other child care facilities provided mainly by local authorities.
After considering the response to consultation and the further decline in demand which has occurred in the intervening period I have concluded that capacity should be reduced by withdrawal of the certificate of approval from Balgay school for girls, Dundee, and by substantial reductions in the approved number of places at Kenmure St. Mary's school for boys, Bishopbriggs, Rossie school for boys, Montrose and Oakbank school for boys, Aberdeen. I have also concluded that the certificate of approval should be withdrawn from Dr. Guthrie's school for boys, Edinburgh, subject to bringing into use additional capacity at Wellington school for boys, Penicuik. My intention is that these measures should take effect early next year and detailed arrangements will be discussed by my Department with the managers of the schools.
The measures will reduce the total number of approved places by 200. Expenditure on the schools will be reduced by some £2 million and staff numbers by some 100. The 18 remaining schools will have a total capacity of 920 approved places and I am satisfied that they will be able to meet demand for places which currently stands at some 800.
My conclusions have been influenced principally by the decline in demand for places reflecting demographic and other changes; they imply no reflection on the standards of service and care provided in the past.
98WUnder present arrangements local authorities are responsible for meeting half the costs of maintaining in the schools children for whom they are responsible.
My decisions will result in substantial savings in expenditure by authorities and will also bring capacity more closely into line with demand on a regional basis. In the light of these considerations I shall have further discussions with the Conventions of Scottish Local Authorities and with other interested parties about future arrangements for financing the schools.