§ 31. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on his policy on primary school closures or amalgamations.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend's policies towards school closures, including amalgamations, are set out in circulars 2/80, 2/81 and 4/82, copies of which I sent my hon. Friend last November. Every proposal that comes to my right hon. Friend for decision, whether for primary or for secondary schools, is considered on its merits in the light of the circumstances of the case and of his published policies; the latter include the need to seize the educational and financial benefits to be gained by removing surplus school places from use.