41. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary for Scotland when the Education (Scotland) Act will be so amended as to grant relief in respect of the excessive assessments of parochial rates on country districts for the sake of urban secondary schools, the parents of children in which are generally able and willing to pay?
§ Mr. MUNROAs my hon. Friend is probably aware, this is a matter on which I am at present in conference with my colleagues in the representation of Scottish constituencies.
§ Mr. D. M. COWANIs it not the case that, as a rule, the rates in rural districts are lower than in urban districts, and that the want of educational facilities up to now has led to rural depopulation; that the object of this Act is to give something like equal opportunity; and further is it not the case that the community, as taxpayers and in other capacities, have contributed to, and are now supporting, universities, at which many Members of the House, including the hon. Member for Nottingham (Sir. J. D. Rees) and myself, have received a large measure of free education?
§ Mr. MUNROI hope my hon. Friend will put down his question, and I shall then be able to give a more satisfactory reply.