§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the effect the plan to eliminate surplus school places in Wales will have upon the Government commitment to support parental choice in education.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe Government remain committed to the principle of parental choice. The elimination of surplus places will release resources that may be deployed elsewhere in the education service to improve facilities and raise educational standards in schools, both of which are key considerations in parents' exercise of their choice of school.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what criteria he will apply in considering the removal of surplus school places by implementing school closure.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsMy criteria for considering proposals for school closures by local education authorities are set out in Welsh Office circular 20/88, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.