HC Deb 11 March 1912 vol 35 cc814-5
Dr. CHAPPLE

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the increasing burdens placed upon school boards in Scotland, he will cause the minutes of the Department of 27th March and 15th June, 1911, under which the size of classes in the elementary schools must be reduced, necessitating costly extensions to existing school buildings, to be suspended or to be made applicable only to future erections?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

In the circumstances of the present year steps will be taken with a view to postponing for a further period of one year the operation of the now regulations in question.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

asked the Secretary for Scotland when he will be able to inform the House of the amount of the promised Grant for the superannuation of teachers in Scotland, and when it will be available?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for South Lanark on the 8th instant. The figures given were for the year 1912–13.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

What is the amount which the right hon. Gentleman promised the electors of St. Rollox, and has he already mentioned the amount of the sum to the representatives of the school board in Scotland?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I did not mention any sum to the electors of St. Rollox. To the school boards certainly I mentioned a sum by letter last week. The sum was, of course, the same sum as was mentioned in the reply to which I have referred the Noble Lord.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Was there any reason why the House should not be informed before the school board was informed?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The House was informed last Friday.