§ MR. CALDWELL (Glasgow, St. Rollox)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether, in making Returns of school attendance, such as in filling up Schedule 33 (a) 1890, School Boards have any power by law to examine the school registers of private schools within their jurisdiction?
§ MR. J. P. B. ROBERTSONThe Returns in the Schedule referred to are called for under Section 31 of the Education Act of 1872; and that section specifies, as the primary means whereby the information necessary to make these Returns should be obtained, that School Boards should call upon managers to supply it. Whether in case of a failure to obtain the information by such means School Boards may fall back upon their powers under Section 30 of the Act, is a question which must be decided according to the circumstances in each case, and I am not prepared to lay down any general rule as to the manner in which such powers may be exercised.