§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he is now in a position to state why the public school of Shieldaig, Ross-shire, was closed for a period of 23 days to 1016 25th December last; by whose authority it was closed; why no fire was provided for the children during a period of severe snowstorms: and whether steps will be taken to prevent any recurrence of such a state of things?
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Sir G. TREVELYAN,) Glasgow, BridgetonMy Lords understand that some delay has unavoidably occurred owing to the difficulties of communication. But they have now twice telegraphed to the School Board and have written to press for an immediate explanation, pending which all grants to the school are suspended.
§ MR. WEIRThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the second paragraph of my question—by whose authority was it closed?
§ SIR G. TREVELYANIt is impossible for me to answer that. This is a very distant school, which certainly has treated the requisition sent for information by the Central Authority very negligently. The Central Authority has not been informed what has taken place, and, consequently, it has been intimated to the School Board that no public money will be granted to the school until the requisition has been answered.
§ DR. MACGREGOR (Inverness-shire)Is it not a fact that an Order was issued some weeks ago from the Education Department of the Scotch Office pointing out to School Boards the illegality of continuing the custom of compelling the children to bring their own fuel to country schools.
§ SIR G. TREVELYANI have already answered that question. Undoubtedly the practice is illegal.