§ Mr. MORTONasked whether the Government will bring in a Bill to amend The Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, so as to enact before the school board elections in 1911 that, on the application of a school board, the Department may for the purposes of the school board election, if they think fit, divide the school board district into two or more electoral divisions, may define the boundaries of such divisions, and may fix the number of members of the school board to be elected within each division?
§ Mr. URESo long as the cumulative vote is retained, as it is in the Education (Scotland) Act of 1908, the advantage of a sub-division of school board areas for election purposes is at least doubtful. As the hon. Member is aware, an inquiry is at present being conducted as to the best method of voting for Parliamentary and other public purposes, and it scarcely seems expedient that any action such as that proposed by the hon. Member should be taken in the meantime.
§ Mr. MORTONIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this clause passed the Standing Committee of this House last year, but in some mysterious way it was dropped out without the knowledge of the Scottish Members of Parliament?
§ Mr. MORTONIt is a fact.