HC Deb 20 July 1994 vol 247 cc301-2W
Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Education which local education authorities have submitted plans for the discontinuance of a special school under section 14 of the Education Act 1981 and section 183 of the Education Act 1993 and have not received final replies; which of these have been waiting(a) three months, (b) between three and six months, (c) between six and 12 months and (d) more than 12 months; and if he will name the schools affected in each case.

Mr. Forth

The information requested is provided in the table. There are proposals from four LEAs which have been outstanding for more than 12 months. In all these cases further information has had to be sought from the LEAs concerned. My right hon. Friend has decided, in the light of the new consolidated statutory regime under section 183 of the Education Act 1993, to set a general target of seven months for the determination of special school proposals, and has asked officials to consult LEAs about ways of improving the information contained in LEA proposals to help expedite decisions.

LEA proposals for the closures of special schools which have not had determinant or "minded to" decisions, as at 19 July 1994
Waiting time in months
LEA and school <3 3–6 6–12 >12
Derbyshire Ashe Hall *
Kent Beech House *
Northamptonshire
Eastfield *
Fairlawn *
Brookfield *
Nottinghamshire
Appletongate *
Linden *
St Ann's Hospital *
Kinder Hospital *
University Hospital *
City Hospital *
Hopwell *
Bassetlaw *
Ewing *
Oxford
Tesdale *
Waiting time in months
LEA and school <3 3–6 6–12 >12
Bennet House *
East Sussex
Robert Mitchell *
Walsall
Beacon *
Lambeth
Aspen House *
Hyde Farm *
Lansdowne *
Barking and Dagenham
Bentry *
Castle *
Faircross *
Hampshire
Furzebrook *
Knowsley
Cartbridge *
Lancashire
Longridge *
Liverpool
Harold Magnay *
Sandfield Park *
Finchlea *
Longmoor *
Millstead *
Palmerston *
Princes *
Okfield *
North Yorkshire
Field Hospital *
Gateshead
Joicy Road *
Bradford
Ashfield *