§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidelines his Department currently issues to local education authorities concerning the minimum and maximum size of schools.
§ Mr. DunnCurrent guidance is set out in circular 2/81, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. The circular urges local education authorities to seize the educational and financial benefits of taking surplus school places out of use and draws attention to the sizes of schools below which disproportionate resourcing is required if appropriate educational opportunities are to be maintained. The proposals in chapter 10 of the White Paper "Better Schools" are intended to provide the basis for discussions with my right hon. Friend's partners in the education service about whether new guidance should be issued. The Department does not produce guidelines on maximum school sizes.