§ 21. Lord SCONEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the dissatisfaction throughout Scotland in regard to the results achieved by the present educational curriculum; and if he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee of investigation, which shall include representatives of trade and industry as well as of the learned professions?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRThe evidence available from many sources does not support the statement in the first part of the question. For example, in 1928 Lord Salvesen's Committee on Education and Industry in Scotland reported favourably 224 on the character, physical condition and intellectual attainments of the children at the stage of leaving school. This independent and representative committee heard evidence from many persons and associations of the kind referred to in the second part of the question. Having regard to the terms of the report of the committee, which was so similar to what my Noble Friend has in mind, I do not think that the time is opportune for adopting his suggestion.