§ 73. Mr. SHAWasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the hostility expressed throughout Scotland to certain provisions of the Scottish Education Bill, such as those which elimi- 1152 nate direct popular control, and set up a. system of co-option; and whether he will withdraw the present Bill and introduce another providing, inter alia, for the control and management of Scottish education by an ad hoc authority directly elected by, and responsible to, the people?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)I am not prepared to admit the implications of the question either as to the prevalence throughout Scotland of hostility to certain provisions of the Bill or as to the real effect of these provisions. On the contrary, I believe that the provisions of the Bill are being viewed with growing favour as their true character and effect are realised. The matter, however, does not admit of discussion by way of question and answer. I propose to submit the Bill to the judgment of the House as soon as opportunity can be given for its discussion.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that instead of a growing favour in relation to this new authority, there is actually a growing opposition to the new authority?