§ 84. Sir EDWARD PARROTTasked the Secretary for Scotland if he will indicate the methods adopted by the Scotch Education Department for the purpose of ascertaining the views of non-official educationists and administrators in Scotland with regard to matters which directly affect the work of the schools and are sub sequently to be embodied in circulars, minutes, and other documents of a like character.
§ Mr. MUNROIt is impossible within the limits of an answer to a question to detail the means which the Scotch Education Department take to ascertain the views of bodies and persons when they think it necessary to do so. I may say, however, that there is frequent communication between the Department and school boards or associations of school boards and associations of teachers. Representations from these bodies, or from members of the public, receive careful consideration. It is the practice of the Department, before making any changes of special importance, to ascertain the views of those concerned, either by means of conferences or by the issue of Regulations, etc., in draft form for consideration before they are finally adopted.
§ 85. Sir E. PARROTTasked the Secretary for Scotland if he will explain the exact function of the Committee of Council of Education in Scotland (commonly known as "My Lords"); how frequently this body meets for educational business; and also the date of its last meeting?
§ Mr. MUNROI must refer my hon. Friend to the Education (Scotland) Acts for a full statement of the functions of the Committee of the Privy Council on Education in Scotland, whose correct designation, as given in Section 1 of the Act of 1872, is the Scotch Education Department. As in the case of other Government Departments similarly constituted, the business of the Department is transacted as a rule by the responsible Minister, who in this case, in accordance with Sections 6 and 7 of the Secretary for Scotland Act, 1885, is the Secretary for Scotland for the time Toeing. It is not necessary that the Committee as a whole should meet frequently, but individual members are often in consultation. The last formal meeting was held in 1913.
§ Sir E. PARROTTAre we to take it that it is like Mrs. Harris: "There ain't no sich person"?
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it not the case that some years ago meetings of that Committee were frequently held, that the minutes were preserved, and is there any reason why those meetings should not now continue?
§ Mr. MUNROThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is that he is quite correct; with regard to the last part, I should require time to consider it.