HC Deb 12 May 1914 vol 62 cc929-30
41. Mr. F. WHYTE

asked the Secretary for Ireland whether he has received the report of the conference held last February in Perth which recites the financial grievances of Scottish secondary education committees; and, if so, what reply he has been able to give?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The matter is still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject. Of course my hon. Friend will appreciate the fact that recent events have altered the position altogether.

Mr. F. WHYTE

Can the right hon. Gentleman make a statement as to the extent to which recent events have altered the position in regard to Scotland?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I do not want to commit myself to a sum, but I think, speaking from memory, it is about half a million. The total amount that Scotland is receiving is £1,250,000. I understand you are asking me about the educational part?

Mr. F. WHYTE

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue a statement from the Scottish Office showing the effect of the Budget promises upon the financial situation in Scotland?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

It would be necessary, of course, to do that when the right time arrives.

Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

Is the light hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong desire to press for a deputation on the subject, and has the consideration which he has mentioned rendered that deputation unnecessary?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

In my opinion a deputation is quite unnecessary in view of the new facts, because the grievances will be removed. Undoubtedly the secondary authorities in Scotland have been suffering from a real grievance. The Scottish Education Fund has been insufficient for the demands upon it, and any relief of rates has passed away in great parts of Scotland. They, therefore, naturally wish to have a deputation on the subject; but the generous terms of the Chancellor of the Exchequer have, I hope, removed the necessity for it

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the right time will have arrived for the House to be put into possession of this information?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Well, I suppose, when the Bill is introduced dealing with it.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the President of the English Board of Education has already conveyed to one of the Members of this House by letter information which has not been disclosed to the House at large? Cannot Ministers arrange to make their declarations in the House, instead of by private letters to their political supporters?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I would suggest to the right hon. Gentleman that is a question which should be addressed to my right hon. Friend. I would point out that the positions of the Scottish Education Board and of the English Education Board are entirely different.