M. Mr. NICHOLasked the-Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the number of new schools provided since January, 1919, in Scotland, and the total amount expended thereon; if any reports have been made to the Scottish Education Department regarding the present condition of school buildings by the local authorities or by His Majesty's inspectors of schools; and if he is prepared to institute a comprehensive survey of the needs of Scotland as regards the provision of modern school buildings and their equipment?
§ Captain ELLIOTThe number of new schools provided since January, 1919, in Scotland is 23, and the total amount expended thereon was £288,407. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. I would refer the hon. Member to the general Reports of His Majesty's chief inspectors, which are published annually. In reply to the last part of the question, I am asked by my Noble Friend to point out that the duty of taking stock of the needs of each education area falls upon its education authority. The Department are in close touch with the education authorities in this matter, and the present time is not thought to be opportune for a more comprehensive survey.
Mr. NICHOLWould it not be possible for the Department to collate the returns and the Reports by the local authorities, so that some general view could be had by Members of this House?
§ Captain ELLIOTIt would require an amount of investigation that we do not feel justified in pressing for at the moment.
§ Mr. WESTWOODIs it not the fact that one or the education authorities in Scotland has had a building scheme to the value of half a million turned down by Government Departments, despite the fact that the buildings are required at the present time?