§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what changes in school organisation are planned in the light of falling school rolls.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend gave notice in this year's public expenditure White Paper (Cmnd. 9428) that he intended to set local education authorities new targets for the removal of surplus school places beyond 1987, after consultation with the local authority associations. It is, however, for local education authorities, in consultation with the governors of voluntary schools, to determine whether the rationalisation of school provision in the light of the continuing fall in pupil numbers should be accompanied by any changes in the pattern of school organisation in their areas, and to publish proposals under sections 12–15 of the Education Act 1980 if these are required before any desired changes can be brought into effect.