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Primary Education

Volume 921: debated on Thursday 2 December 1976

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11.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will define the term nearest suitable school with regard to primary school education in Northern Ireland.

The "nearest suitable school" is not a term defined in the education statutes. However, in a Northern Ireland Department of Education circular of 8th August 1969 on school transport the "nearest appropriate school" is the one nearest to the home of the pupil which is educationally apropriate to the pupil's age, aptitudes and abilities.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the education boards are taking the nearest suitable school to mean the school which is suitable on religious grounds? Is he aware that some Roman Catholic parents who believe that separate education has contributed to the present division in Northern Ireland wish to send their children to State schools but are being refused transport for those children to the nearest State school because a church school is within the statutory walking distance? Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to see that all children in Northern Ireland, if their parents so wish, have the right to attend a State school and be provided with transport to it?

My noble Friend is aware of the problems that the hon. Member raises. The hon. Member has instanced a particular case in his own constituency which my noble Friend is looking into while at the same time considering the general point involved.