§ 27. Mr. WESTWOODasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he is aware that there is almost unanimous opposition to the new Code of Regulations for Scottish schools placed upon the Table of this House on 6th July; and what steps does he propose to take to get the approval or otherwise of this House to these Regulations?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. F. C. Thomson)The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have taken the usual step to obtain the approval of the House by laying the Code on the Table.
§ Mr. WESTWOODIs the Solicitor-General aware that under the section, under which the Regulations are placed upon the Table, there is no method of protesting unless we get the consent of the Government to discuss the Regulations? [HON. MEMBERS:"NO!"] Is he aware that a promise was given in this House on the 18th instant by the Under-Secretary for the Scottish Board of Health that in due course the House would have an opportunity of showing its approval or disapproval of the Regulations?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDMy hon. Friend will remember that a very large part of the discussion on the Scottish Estimates was taken up by the question of the code. He is also aware that there is very great pressure on Parliamentary time. I will consider the point which he raises and give him an answer within the next day or two.
§ Major M. WOODDoes the Government propose to impose this code on Scotland, in spite of the fact that almost the whole of the Scottish representatives have condemned it?
§ Mr. T. JOHNSTONIs it not the case that almost every education authority and every school management committee in the country have condemned it?
§ Mr. WESTWOODIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the code, as we now have it, was not in existence when the Scottish Estimates were under discussion, and that there was only the draft code?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDThe date of the Scottish Estimates was selected at the instance of the Opposition. I demur entirely to the view that educational opinion in Scotland is strongly against the new code. Within the last few days I have only received a circular from one education authority in Scotland on the subject.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhich one was that?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDThe City of Glasgow. But I will consider whether an opportunity can be given to discuss the matter, which was very fully debated on the Estimates.
§ Major Sir A. SINCLAIRIs the decision of the Government likely to be reviewed if a sufficient number of education authorities in Scotland communicate their views?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs it not a fact that a Scottish Education Bill came from the House of Lords the other day, and in view of the fact that Scottish opinion was strongly against it the Government pledged themselves to drop the obnoxious clauses? Is it not also a fact that every single Scottish representative from every corner of Scotland is opposed to this proposal?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLANDIt is the duty of the Scottish Education Department to administer education in Scotland, after going very carefully and fully into the whole matter. With regard to the Clauses in the Bill to which my right hon. Friend refers, opinion in Scotland is very much divided upon the matter.