§ Sir WALTER MENZIESasked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the Scottish Estimates being taken before the House rises for the Whitsuntide Recess, the Education Department can issue this month the allocation scheme for the current year of the balance of the Education (Scotland) Fund?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)The scheme of allocation of the Education (Scotland) Fund is for the financial year of School Boards, ending on 15th May of each year. The results of the allocation for the year ending to-day, as to their effect on rates, cannot be completely ascertained for some considerable time afterwards, nor are the facts as to the amount of residue grants available for the fund in any year usually obtainable before the month of June. In these circumstances the preparation of a scheme for the current year will require very careful consideration, and my hon. Friend will understand that I am not in a position to lay such a scheme before the House by the date mentioned or, indeed, for some time thereafter.
§ Sir W. MENZIESWould not it be better to defer the discussion of the Scottish Estimates until this most important point is settled?
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEShall we have the report of the Congested Districts Board before the Scottish Estimates come up?
§ Mr. DEWARCan not the right hon. Gentleman hurry that up? It is most important. It is monstrous to be without it.