---

Business of the House

May I ask whether it might be possible to have a debate about the way that local authorities close primary schools? In my constituency, Dudley’s Conservative-controlled council plans to close two very good schools, Highfields primary and Sycamore Green. The consultation process has been very unsatisfactory, to say the least. The council has failed to consider any alternatives, such as Sure Start schemes, children’s centres or other community facilities, and it has not even replied to letters and petitions submitted by parents and governors who, together with councillors Ridney, Finch, Davies, Aston, Mottram and Johnson, have fought such a great campaign.