§ 72. Sir HARRY HOPEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has considered the resolution passed at a meeting at Edinburgh on 30th March by representatives of over 200 parish councils urging an amendment of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, whereby the continuation classes for young persons up to 18 years of age may be made optional instead of compulsory; and what steps he proposes to take to give effect to the general and widespread feeling throughout Scotland that this change should be made?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)I have not received a copy of the resolution referred to. In any event I do not propose to make any departure from the provisions of Section 15 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, as to the institution of day continuation classes for young persons under 18 years of age.
§ Sir H. HOPEWill my right hon. Friend not consider making definite postponement of these continuation classes in Scotland in the same way as the Minister of Education has given a definite postponement for England on the ground of economy?
§ Mr. MUNROI have already stated in this House as well as outside that these classes will not be instituted at the present time, and I do not see my way to fix any definite date.