§ MR. SMEATONI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland how many of the inspectors of schools in Scotland, who have been appointed since 1897, had previous experience as teachers in elementary schools; upon what principle and on whose nomination these inspectors were selected; and, whether, generally, inspectors have been appointed from among University lecturers who have had little or no experience of elementary teaching or elementary schools.
§ MR. SINCLAIROf the inspectors (including junior inspectors) of schools appointed since 1897, eight had previous experience as teachers in elementary schools, thirteen had previous experience as teachers in secondary schools, one was transferred as a sub-inspector from the
†See (4) Debates, clxx., 486–7.862 Science and Art Department, while the remainder, four, had experience as lecturers in training colleges or in the University. The appointments are made by the Secretary for Scotland as Vice-President of the Department from the list of those who have made application for such appointments. Generally, inspectors have been appointed from among men of distinguished University career who have had sufficient experience in teaching either in elementary or in secondary schools. Inspectors of schools in Scotland are not inspectors of elementary schools, but may be and are largely employed for the purpose of inspecting secondary schools as well.
§ MR. SMEATONHow is it that teachers in elementary schools who often have large experience are only permitted to rise to the rank of sub-inspectors?
§ MR. SINCLAIRNo class is debarred from the appointments. Candidates are considered on their merits and with regard to the duties to be performed without prejudice to any individual.