CLOSURE OF RURAL SCHOOLS

Early day motion 137, tabled 20 May 2013 by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 13 members.

That this House recognises the importance of rural primary schools; notes that primary schools are a vital part of the community in rural areas and that many families rely on them; further recognises that the provision of education cannot be considered in isolation and needs to take the wider rural economy including housing and jobs into account; welcomes the moratorium introduced by the Scottish Government on school closures until a full review had been completed; and urges the Government to protect vital rural services and pay attention to the specific needs of rural communities.

Signatures by party: DUP 4, Labour 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Liberal Democrat 2, Independent 1.