§ SIR CHARLES DALRYMPLE (Ipswich)asked the Lord Advocate, Whether it is necessary to have a separate "Technical Instruction Bill" for Scotland; and, whether it would not be possible, by adaptation of wording or addition of clauses, to have one Bill only, and so avoid a discussion of two measures, and the needless introduction of separate legislation for different parts of the United Kingdom? The hon. Baronet added that the Question was put on the Paper a few days ago with the view of accelerating Business.
MR. MUNRO FERGUSON&c.) (Leith,asked, as arising out of this Question, Whether it would not be a more 382 simple and expedient course, in view of the different educational systems of England and Scotland, to deal with technical education for Scotland in a separate Bill enabling Scotch School Boards to apply the rates to technical education, as they now did to higher education?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)There is grave reason to doubt whether the attempt to have one Bill only for both countries would not add to, rather than diminish, difficulties attending the passing of legislation for the promotion of technical education, and complicate rather than simplify discussion. From communications received from many quarters, I fear my hon. Friend is mistaken if he supposes that his proposal would be received with favour in Scotland. With reference to the supplementary Question of the hon. Member for Leith, the proposal he makes will receive very careful consideration.