18. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Secretary for Scotland for what reasons it is proposed to hold an inquiry into the educational provision in Scotland as part of an inquiry into the educational provision 2463 for Great Britain, instead of by means of a Special Commission of persons versed in the Scottish educational system?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Tennant)As the Prime Minister indicated yesterday, the Government desire to institute a comprehensive survey of education in all its aspects. The main problems of the moment are of common interest, and I am of opinion that it is desirable to have them examined from the point of view of the country as a whole before we consider such special modifications as may be required to carry out any new lines of development in Scotland.
Mr. SCOTTCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the subject of the inquiry in the general survey to which he refers?
§ Mr. HOGGEWill my right hon. Friend consult the two bodies of unofficial Scottish Members before he embarks on an inquiry of this nature?
§ Mr. TENNANTIn reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, I think that we might very well have a—
§ Mr. TENNANTI do not say a Conference, but investigate the matter from the point of view which hon. Members might put before us. Hon. Members might like to put evidence before the Committee.
§ Mr. HOGGECould we not have the whole body of Scottish Members called together to discuss aspects of this inquiry, in which they take such a tremendous interest?
§ Mr. TENNANTIf my hon. Friend could get the whole body together before the Adjournment.
Mr. SCOTTIs it not the case that the main subject of the inquiry is the Treasury finance of education? And can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the proposals for the actual development of Scottish education, whether as regards machinery or the subject-matter of education, shall only be made on the authority of persons versed in Scottish education?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think that it would be convenient if my hon. Friend would put his second question, because I think that the answer covers a good many of these points.
19. Mr. SCOTTasked by whom and by what means the comprehensive review is to be made of the existing provision of education in Scotland as part of a review of the educational provision in Great Britain; whether proposals for developing it will be made on the authority of any persons not specially versed in Scottish education; and whether the inquiry will include primary schools, secondary and higher-grade schools, and universities?
§ Mr. TENNANTI must ask my hon. Friend to wait for the further announcement on this matter promised yesterday by the Prime Minister, but I can assure him that I do not propose to nominate as a Scottish representative anyone not versed in Scottish education. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative. In answer to the supplementary question which has been asked, while it is true that the financial question is the important part of the investigation I cannot consider it to be the whole.
Mr. SCOTTDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is altogether to the advantage of the inquiry to state as early as possible by whom the inquiry is to be conducted, and what are the scope and methods, and is there any reason for concealing these matters?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe information has not been published yet, but it will be published. My right hon. Friend promised definitely to publish both the personnel and the terms of reference.
§ Mr. TENNANTI am always willing, and indeed anxious, to consult my hon. Friends. I think that it would be a good plan to set the inquiry on foot, and then have the Scottish Members to give evidence.
§ Mr. HOGGEThis is a Scottish matter. Why not consult the Scottish Members? It is infinitely more advisable to have these appointments made with the concurrence of the right hon. Gentleman's Scottish colleagues.
§ Mr. TENNANTI join issue with my hon. Friend. This is not solely a Scottish matter.
§ Mr. TENNANTI knew he would.
§ 45. Sir J. LARMORasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the active steps now being taken by neutral nations to organise their agencies for higher education with a view to national scientific development and to meet the conditions that will arise after the War, for example, in view of the American Commission of Inquiry now in Europe to collect information and opinions towards that end, he can state what are the steps, other than Departmental, that the Government have now taken in that direction; whether he can state the names and scientific qualifications of the secretarial staffs attached to the Committees that have been appointed; if he will state whether any Reports will be made public for the consideration of persons interested, including the Members of this House; and how soon the first Reports may be expected?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)As regards the first two parts of the question, I may refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for London University, and to the answer given on the 16th instant by the Secretary for Scotland to the hon. Member for the Bridgetown Division of Glasgow. I may add that the Secretaries to the Committees appointed will be announced with the Committees. I am unable at present to say when the first Reports may be expected. The question of publication will be considered when they are received.