§ MR. GEORGE BROWN (Edinburgh, Central)To ask the Lord Advocate whether he has received a petition from the School Board of Edinburgh showing that School Boards have practically no income between May and November; and whether he will modify Article 13 of the Code (1903) so that grants on account of schools may be paid in instalments throughout the year.
(Answered by Mr. A. Graham Murray.) The petition referred to was received by the Education Department yesterday. The article specified, and the rule as to payment of grants which it embodies, are not new but represent the consistent practice from the institution of Parliamentary grants. The petition will receive consideration, although my Lords cannot admit the accuracy of the statement that practically no income accrues between May and November. I cannot at present say whether any modification of the rule will be possible.