§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has been notified under Education Act procedures of the decision of Northumberland education committee to move Netherton county first school into Thropton county first school; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FallonI understand that pupils attending Netherton county first school have been temporarily relocated at nearby Thropton county first school, following concern by Northumberland county council about the structural condition of Netherton school. The council acted in the interests of the safety of the children concerned.
There are no statutory procedures which require the county council to inform my right hon. and learned Friend of its actions in these circumstances. Nonetheless, the Department has been kept informed of developments.