§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to introduce measures similar to those proposed in England to protect rural schools from closure; and if he will make a statement. [33992]
§ Mr. HainIn Wales, the Secretary of State has the opportunity to call in any proposals for schools to be closed and is obliged to do so where any objections are raised. The close links existing between the Welsh Office and the local education authorities mean an automatic call in procedure is not needed.
The Secretary of State would not normally be prepared to approve closure of a popular and effective school unless the alternative proposed would offer a higher quality and equal diversity of education at total lower cost than would have been available had the school remained open. The guidance also emphasises that he would not expect to approve the closure of any school where there was strong parental opposition unless he was convinced that it was not possible to provide satisfactory education across the curriculum and across all age groups. I also acknowledge the vital importance of schools in many rural communities in Wales.