HC Deb 26 July 2000 vol 354 c662W
Mr. Prior

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the future of the Edinburgh Road School for Children with Special Needs in Holt, Norfolk. [132374]

Jacqui Smith

In October 1999 Norfolk LEA served Notice on the Secretary of State of its proposal to relocate the existing Edinburgh Road Special School to a new site in Sheringham. The statutory process involves local consultation, the serving of the Notice by the LEA, a period for objections followed by consideration by the Secretary of State during which he will consider, among other information, advice from HMI.

Today I have informed the hon. Member and Norfolk LEA that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is minded to approve the proposals, subject to the necessary planning permission being granted.