HC Deb 24 July 1925 vol 186 cc2571-2

As amended (in the Standing Committee), considered.

CLAUSE 5.—(Application of scheme as modified by amending Scheme.)

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

I beg to move, in page 5, line 27, after the word "be" to insert the words or, in any case where the special circumstances seem to the department to justify an extension of the said period, within such extended period as the department may fix. I promised in Committee to consider whether it was possible to vest some discretionary power in the education authorities in the case of a teacher who had been suffering from ill-health, and this Amendment covers that problem.

Amendment agreed to.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the Third time."—[Sir J. Gilmour.]

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Now that the Secretary for Scotland is in the House, though he had not the courtesy to be here in time to answer my question—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—I am in Order— I think that we might have a few words before this Bill goes through. Perhaps I might comment on the fact that, when we have a Bill of this importance to be discussed, there are very few hon. Members from Scotland present. There are only two hon. Gentlemen on the Labour benches representing Scottish constituencies.

Mr. HARDIE

There is none on yours.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Well, I am here. I think it desirable that, before the Bill goes through the Secretary for Scotland should say something as to its scope, and that an opportunity should be given to have questions put.

Mr. HARDIE

We are not in this House for the purpose of making speeches, but in order to get work done. If we get the work done in this hot weather in the Committee as it has been done in this case, there is no reason for obstruction afterwards. While the Bill is not all we would like it to be, we are taking the best we can get in the circumstances. While we are making these provision for the teachers we would like to see similar provision made for everyone who gives service to the community. The Liberal benches do not show a single representative from Scotland. Anything which has been done in Committee has been done by Scottish Labour Members and not by Liberals, and it is too early in the morning to begin a row, even if my hon. and gallant Friend is ex-heavyweight champion for the Navy. This Bill might have been a greater measure so far as the teachers are concerned only that we have the dead weight of English education hanging on to us.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I wish to make a personal explanation. I have no desire to stop the passage of this Bill, and only wish it known in Ireland, where certain people have strong feelings, that the Secretary for Scotland was present, and had not the courtesy to come in and answer my question.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read the Third time, and passed.