Annette
Brooke: I would like to make a brief comment on amendment
No. 100. I very much support the sentiments behind it, but I wonder
whether it should refer to local authorities in the plural, to cover
instances of schools on boundaries. Poole unitary authority has schools
on its boundaries—except for the one with the sea. Schools on
the boundary with other authorities suffer knock-on effects and it can
be difficult to get both authorities, which have their own budgets, to
take the decision that is best for the community overall. In the
proposed reorganisation it is proposed to delay any activity in respect
of a large and excellent comprehensive school that is right on a
boundary. That causes considerable concern among
constituents who live in the adjoining local authority. I should like
the amendment to be strengthened to cover the cross-boundary
issues. I have some
sympathy with the intention behind amendment No. 31, although I am not
quite sure whether that would be
achieved.
Jacqui
Smith: We have got on well this morning, have we not? Just
before I start, for the information of the Committee, I should point
out that when we break for lunch information will be available for hon.
Members to consider alongside clauses 17 to 19—in case we are
fortunate enough to reach those this afternoon. I do not want to push
my luck, but I am
hopeful. To deal
first with amendment No. 100, as we discussed on the previous group of
amendments, we already make special provision when it is proposed to
close a rural primary school. We require local authorities to consider
a range of specific factors; that requirement reflects an addition to
the present arrangements under an amendment to the Education Act 2005.
My hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North is right about the provenance
of that amendment, but it was built on a presumption against the
closure of rural schools that the Government had already established
for decision makers. For the reasons that I gave previously we strongly
support the continuation of rural schools that have strong parental
support and contribute to the community and to education standards in
their area. My hon.
Friend rightly argued that it is important to consider the wider
implications of proposals to close schools. Those proposals would be
made only by the local education authority or the governing body of a
foundation or voluntary school. Given the potential impact of closing a
rural primary school, we shall require the local authority or governing
body when drawing up school closure proposals to consider whether there
are any alternative options. They should consider the impact on the
local community; the availability and cost to the local authority of
transport to alternative schools; and the increased use of cars by
parents who must drive their children to
school.
The
Chairman: Order. The Committee will have observed a
Government Front-Bench representative approach the Chair seeking
permission to deposit on the Table material for consideration alongside
clauses 17 and 19. The Chair has been quite pleased to be able to grant
permission retrospectively for that.
It being One
o’clock, The Chairman
adjournedthe Committee without Question put, pursuant to
the Standing
Order. Adjourned
till this day at Four
o’clock.
| 
