WORRIES about our children's education are coming before us as the Wyre Forest Schools Review draws closer.

We now face the possibility of school closures and mergers as well as the decision about remaining as a three- tier system or moving to two tiers.

I am finding out the facts about the proposed mergers and my aim will be, rather than to take sides in what will be a polarised debate, to try to ensure that the decision is finally taken in the best interests of all our children.

The problem was brought home to me on a recent visit to Blakebrook Special School which is a small school coping magnificently with the needs of its pupils through all the Key Stages with a good staff-to-pupil ratio.

Despite Government claims that education is improving all over the country due to increased funding, severe financial problems here threaten staff reductions which will risk lowering the standard of teaching.

This would be particularly sad as a merger between special schools in the area is due for consideration soon and it would be awful for Blakebrook to wither before that happens rather than being kept at its current high standard so that a planned and unprejudiced decision can be taken.

The power of Government whips was again demonstrated in the divisions in the House of Commons on the issue of foundation hospitals when the backbench Labour rebellion was considerably smaller than expected.

Hopefully the Standing Committee now reviewing the Bill will take note of the Health Select Committee's report on the subject as this points to problems in the Bill as it stands.

I had a difficult decision last week at the second reading of the Fire Services Bill. Having listened to the introduction and to the wind-ups I voted with the Government but against them on the programming motion because the Bill is to be committed to a committee of the whole house for scrutiny rather than a standing committee.

Reasoned amendments to the Bill which might have attracted more support were not selected for debate by the Speaker.

It was a pleasure to join the centenary celebrations at the Chester Road Bowling Club in Kidderminster.

I was impressed with their superb green hidden behind their frontage and I do hope their plans for alterations and expansion take place as the club has a large membership drawn from all over the community.

I wish them well for the next 100 years and hope that their facilities, sporting and social, will attract even more members.

I understand that the action plan to improve the county's health service following the critical Commission for Health Improvement report includes the welcome and long-awaited recognition of the need to use Kidderminster Hospital more often!