§ Mr. Nigel Jonesto ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she expects to issue her decision regarding the merger of Westlands primary special school and Brookfield secondary special school in Cheltenham. [14345]
§ Mrs. GillanA decision will be reached on this proposal as soon as is compatible with the need to take into account all the relevant factors. My right hon. Friend aims to decide such proposals no later than seven months form the date the notice was served, in this case 7 October 1996. She fully appreciates that, given the proposed implementation date of 31 August 1997, an early decision will be in the best interests of all those involved.