HC Deb 28 November 1989 vol 162 cc201-3W
Mr. Gareth Wardell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will outline the role of his Department following proposals by a local authority to close a primary school in Wales.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

The statutory process to be followed by local authorities proposing a school closure is set out in section 12 of the Education Act 1980. Welsh Office circular 20/88, a copy of which is in the Library, stresses the importance of consultation with appropriate bodies well

One SADCC country (Tanzania) has already obtained concessional rescheduling of its official debts in the Paris Club on "Toronto Terms".

Malawi and Tanzania are also benefiting from a World Bank initiative to offer supplementary concessional IDA credits to compensate borrowers whose per capita income is now below the IDA-only threshold, but who are still repaying old IBRD non-concessional loans, for part of the interest payments due.

The United Kingdom has cancelled its old aid loans to all SADCC countries except for Swaziland (whose GNP per capita is too high for it to be eligible for this relief) and Zambia. The possibility of comparable treatment for Zambia will be kept under review.

before the publication of a statutory notice. Once a section 12 notice has been published there is a period of two months to allow for objections. If there are statutory objections, that is, by any 10 or more local government electors for the area, the closure proposal is referred to my right hon. Friend for determination.

Mr. Gareth Wardell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department has identified those primary schools in Wales that do not satisfy the physical requirements necessary for their pupils and teachers to cope with the demands of the national curriculum.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

No. The suitability of school premises for delivery of the national curriculum is the responsibility of local education authorities.

Mr. Gareth Wardell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information his Department holds on the percentage of secondary school children in Wales who take part in linking activities with companies.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

A survey of links between schools and industry will be undertaken early in the new year to cover the academic year 1989–90. The technical and vocational education initiative now available throughout the Principality places importance on work experience and shadowing for pupils. The enterprise and education initiative aims to provide two or more weeks of work experience for every young person in the final year of schooling. As part of my right hon. Friend's programme for the valleys, we are discussing with the five local education authorities concerned ways of further improving links between valley schools and industry. Our objective is to ensure that young people have the opportunity to learn about the wide range of career choices available and that business has a work force better prepared and equipped to meet its needs. As a result of these and the many other link activities, the majority of pupils in their final year of schooling are involved with business.

Mr. Gareth Wardell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the pupil number capacity of the following primary schools in the county of West Glamorgan (i) Crwys, (ii) Dyfnant, (iii) Penclawdd, (iv) Llanforlais, (v) Garnswllt, (vi) Dunvant and (vii) Bishopston.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

Information on the capacity of primary schools is not collected centrally. However, the total number of full-time and part-time pupils on roll in January 1989 is shown in the table:

Number on roll
Crwys 194
Dyfnant 177
Penclawdd 104
Llanforlais 109
Garnswllt 28
Dunvant Infants 266
Dunvant Junior 308
Bishopston 298

Mr. Gareth Wardell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the number of Betios county primary school in the county of Dyfed.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

The total number of full-time and part-time pupils on roll in January 1989 at Betws county primary school was 105.

Mr. Gareth Wardell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he has taken to ensure children with special educational needs receive a broad and balanced curriculum appropriate to their ability under the national curriculum.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

The Education Reform Act 1988 requires maintained schools to provide a balanced and broadly based curriculum for all pupils. Pupils with special educational needs are required to follow the national curriculum as far as practicable. The attainment targets so far defined enable pupils of different abilities to demonstrate progress in relation to the same curriculum. The Curriculum Council for Wales is preparing guidance on the national curriculum and pupils with special educational needs.

Mr. Gareth Wardell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has any plans to allocate resources to assist the county of West Glamorgan to build a new school at(a) Penyrheol, Gorseinon, (b) Llangyfelach, Swansea and (c) Three Crosses, Swansea.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

It is for West Glamorgan county council to determine its own priorities for spending the capital resources available to it.