§ 25. Dr. DRUMMOND SHIELSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been called to the resolution of the burgh education authorities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee, asking that, prior to the allocation of the balance of the Education (Scotland) Fund, a sum be earmarked for special services for abnormal children; and if he is prepared to favourably consider this proposal?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe reply to bile first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. The balance referred to is distributed to education authorities in the form of block grants, and, on full consideration, I am satisfied that it would be undesirable to ear-mark any part of it for special services, of whatever kind, whether burghal or rural.
§ Dr. SHIELSDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that these special services are very desirable, and, if so, does he not agree, further, that local authorities will not be likely to provide them unless an increased grant is given for these children?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI cannot depart from the system of block grants, but, if the authority desire to deal with these special services, they are at liberty to do so.
§ Dr. SHIELSIs the right hon. Gentleman not in favour, before allocating these block grants, of making a special fund for these cases?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir.