§ 54. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that in the proposed agreement between the Scottish Education Department and the Glasgow authority no provision is made for any new schools in the Gorbals area; that this is the only division so treated; that this is the most thickly populated part of Glasgow; and if he will take steps to have the subject reconsidered?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy reply of 15th November to the hon. Member made it clear that no agreement of the nature which he describes is contemplated, and a reference to the tabular statement of the authority's programme which I gave him last week will show that he is under a misapprehension in supposing that Gorbals is the only division in which no provision is made for new schools. With reference to the latter part of the question, I am aware that the Gorbals area is thickly populated, but I am advised that the school accommodation is sufficient and I see no reason for reconsidering the subject.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only Parliamentary division in which there is not to be a new school is Gorbals, and is he aware that in his own Parliamentary division three new schools are to be built? Will he take steps to see that the divisions of other hon. Members in this House are at least equally treated with his own?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThis is a matter which must be dealt with not on the 405 question of particular areas, but on the facts as to the necessity for schools. It is not correct to say that the hon. Member's division is the only one which is being so treated.
§ Mr. BUCHANANMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not a fact that in the tabulated statement issued, the only Parliamentary division treated in this way is Gorbals? Is he aware that the new schools proposed to be built are to be built in areas where people are already getting the subsidy for their houses, and that they are to have the further privilege of being the only people who are to get new schools? Is the right hon. Gentleman not going to consider the poor districts where the schools are antiquated?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir. Full consideration is being given to every district upon its merits, and I would remind the hon. Member that in the Calton and the Camlachie districts no provision is being made in addition to that already existing.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am dealing with Parliamentary divisions, and that the Camlachie division is to have a new school, while Gorbals is not to have a new school? Why cannot I get the same treatment for my division that other divisions get?