HC Deb 25 June 1931 vol 254 cc613-4
83. Mr. D. HARDIE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Government propose to modify Section 4 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, so as to permit of all children who have qualified for attendance at an intermediate or secondary school and, on the report of their teachers show promise of profiting thereby, receiving free travelling facilities without regard to the circumstances of the parents?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Westwood)

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. HARDIE

Is the hon. Member aware that great numbers of very promising pupils are deprived of secondary education because of this means test, that only 8 per cent. of the pupils who take up secondary education in the county of Lanark complete the full course, and that that is used as a general argument for advising these children to go to other centres?

Mr. WESTWOOD

I am well aware of the disadvantages existing at present, but the modification of Section 4 of the Education (Scotland) Act would require legislation, and I can add nothing to the original answer.

Mr. HARDIE

May I ask whether such legislation will be proposed?