§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Education how many proposals from local authorities to close or re-organise schools have been awaiting a decision from him for(a) up to three months, (b) three to six monehts, (c) six to nine months, (d) nine to 12 months and (e) more than 12 months.
§ Mr. Robin SquireAt 15 July, a total of 149 proposals published under either section 12 or section 13 of the Education Act 1980 were under consideration in the Department. Of these, 94 had been awaiting a decision for a period of up to three months, 28 for between three and six months, 14 for between six and nine months, six for between nine and 12 months and seven for in excess of 12 months. Proposals received by the Secretary of State within the last four months may in certain cases fall to the local authority for determination.