31. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the present Scottish education grant makes no provision for assisting education authorities wish any maintenance allowances they may make to children attending school; that the Association of Education Authorities has recorded its opinion than assistance should be given to local authorities in meeting the cost of the maintenance allowances proposed to be given in connection with the raising of the school 2709 age; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe additional grant to be paid in England and Wales in respect of maintenance allowances which it is proposed to give in connection with the raising of the school age will cause an automatic increase in the Exchequer contribution to the Education (Scotland) Fund, and this additional money will be distributed to the Scottish education authorities in accordance with minutes of the Scottish Education Department which will, in due course, be laid before Parliament. No decision will he made regarding the method of distribution to be embodied in these minutes before the views of the authorities have been elicited.
§ 35. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the consultation of Scottish education authorities regarding the award of maintenance allowances for children remaining at school after the age of 14 years; and whether he is now in a position to make any statement on the conclusions reached?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. William Adamson)I have had an interview with two of the principal of the present education authorities. In view, however, of the change in Scottish local government which will take place a month from now, it is not desirable to press forward with this matter until I am able to consult the new education authorities. In these circumstances, I am not in a position to make any statement at present.
§ Mr. MATHERSDo I understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that these new education bodies will be consulted, and that Scottish opinion on this matter will not merely follow in the wake of English opinion?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONTo what two authorities does the right hon. Gentleman refer?
§ Mr. ADAMSONThe two authorities which asked an interview regarding this matter were the Glasgow and Edinburgh authorities. With regard to the supplementary question of the hon. Member for West Edinburgh (Mr. Mathers), it is my intention to consult the new education authorities.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people of Argyllshire object to these maintenance grants, and that the parents would prefer to bring up their own children and not to have them brought up at the expense of the community?