§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) powers and (b) duties he has in relation to school closures and amalgamations. [10945]
§ Mr. AncramThe Department of Education's powers and duties in relation to the closure or amalgamation of controlled or voluntary schools are contained in article 14 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.
In addition, the Department has powers and duties under articles 80, 81 and 82 of the 1989 Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 in relation to the closure, withdrawal of grant and winding up of a grant-maintained integrated school.