§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that a widespread desire exists in Scotland to have the examination for leaving certificates thrown open to all schools; and whether, having regard to the opinion expressed by the Scotch Education Department, that they have no power to extend the scheme as proposed, he will, if necessary, take steps this Session to obtain for the Department the required Authority?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. P. B. ROBERTSON, Bute)I am aware that a very considerable desire exists for the opening of the Leaving Certificate Examination to all schools. But besides the limitation of the powers of the Department opinions differ on the subject, and there is room for doubt as to the expediency of such extension; and, meanwhile, it is felt that there are reasons for delaying any decisive action in the matter until there may be an opportunity of dealing fully with the subject, in connection with any scheme for assisting Higher Education which we may be able to lay before the House.