§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from(a) Gloucestershire County Council and (b) other interested parties, on the proposal to amalgamate Toddington Primary School with Didbrook Primary School; what discussions with interested parties he intends to have before coming to his decision on the proposal; and when he expects to reach a decision. [67155]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisOn 16 October, Gloucestershire Local Education Authority published statutory proposals to close Didbrook and Toddington County Primary Schools, and to establish a new school on the Didbrook site. We have received a number of representations. The local education authority has also received objections to the proposals, which they have passed on to the Department. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will give careful consideration to the proposals, to the objections to the proposals and to the local education authority's comments on the objections; and to any other comments he receives. He will reach a decision as soon as possible, consistent with full consideration of all the relevant issues.