§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what costs have been incurred to date by the Highland Council in respect of its consultation process over rural school closures; and if he will make a statement. [37573]
§ Mr. WilsonDetailed breakdowns of education authority administration costs are not collected centrally.
§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what account local authorities are required to take, when considering rural school closures, of affected communities already having been included in the Rural Regeneration Programme; and if he will make a statement. [37574]
108W
§ Mr. WilsonLocal authorities are able to take all matters they consider relevant into account. I wrote to all Scottish Members of Parliament on 24 March 1998 enclosing a copy of a speech I made on rural schools on 21 March 1998.