§ MR. SHIRESS WILL (Montrose)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the triennial election of School Boards throughout Scotland will take place next year; and whether, in view of that fact, the answer of the Secretary for Scotland to the deputation of about 30 Scottish Members on the subject of the School Board Election (Scotland) Bill, promised by himself on the 28th March to be given on an early day, and again promised by the Lord Advocate in this House on the 22nd May to be given "shortly after Whitsuntide," and again promised by the Lord Advocate in this House on the 16th instant to be given on Friday the 20th instant, will now be given; and, if not, what is the explanation of the delay?
§ MR. J. P. B. ROBERTSONThe Government are not prepared to give time for the discussion of the hon. and learned Member's Bill, nor can they add to the number of controversial Bills now before the House. They are, However, prepared to bring in a Bill of one clause assimilating the franchise for elections of School Boards to the franchise for elections of County Councils and Town Councils, and to pass it after 12 o'clock, should it meet with general approval.