§ 14. Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the proposed degree of parental consultation on current proposals for the reorganisation of state education in certain areas of Northern Ireland.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere are statutory development procedures for school reorganisation proposals. These provide an opportunity for all interested parties—including parents—to make representation to the Department of Education. School authorities would normally consult parents before publishing a proposal.
§ 16. Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy to reject any226W proposals by the South Eastern education and library board to amalgamate Castlewellan Quoile and Killyleagh secondary high schools with Down high school, thereby removing grammar school status from Down high.
§ Dr. MawhinneyNo. Article 14 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 places a statutory obligation on the Department of Education to consider all proposals submitted by an education and library board.