§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools and colleges in rural areas have closed in each of the last five years. [131900]
§ Ms Estelle Morris[holding answer 21 July 2000]The table shows the number of schools in rural areas approved for closure in each of the last five years.
Number 1996 21 1997 4 1998 5 1999 2 2000 2 Although a number of governing bodies of further education colleges in rural areas have been dissolved, in each case the educational provision has continued by arrangement with another institution in the further or higher education sector.