asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the current criteria and practice relating to the closure of schools in the rural areas of Scotland.

Since 1981, most closures have been decided locally by education authorities, subject to statutory requirements to consult with parents and other local interests. Proposed closures of primary schools where the receiving school is five or more miles from the school to be closed and of secondary schools where the receiving school is 10 or more miles away require the approval of the Secretary of State. Each such case is considered in the light of all the local circumstances.