§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the action of the newly elected Dalziel School Board at their first meeting in excluding by special resolution two members of the board from the convenerships of any of the public schools in the parish; and whether, in view of the duties imposed upon this authority by the Education (Scotland) Act of 1908 and previous Acts, he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. Arthur Dewar, for Mr. tire)On communication with the School Board of Dalziel the Department learn that the facts are as stated in the question. Under the Education (Scotland) Acts, however, it is in the power of every school board to regulate its own procedure, and to make such appointments to convenerships and other offices under the board as they may see fit, and whatever opinion the Department may hold as to the equity or expediency of the proceedings of a board in such matters they have no power under the Acts to take any action in reference thereto.
§ Mr. BOLANDMay I ask whether the hon. and learned Gentleman is aware that in this case the school board have deliberately excluded two Catholic members by specific resolution from convener-ships, and whether the school board, after members are elected, are entitled to deliberately exclude them from exercising their ordinary functions as members of the board.
§ Mr. DEWARI am afraid that it is a question of law. As the hon. Member knows, all school boards are under Act of Parliament, and the Lord Advocate has an power to interfere with them. Where it is thought a school board has gone wrong, the usual course is to apply to the courts of law, who will say how the Act is to be interpreted.
§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDDoes the hon. and learned Gentleman or the Department approve of action of this kind, in excluding those members because of their religion?
§ Mr. DEWARThe Department has no power to interfere and no right to express an opinion; it is entirely for a court of law.