HC Deb 24 April 1934 vol 288 cc1536-7
30. Mr. BURNETT

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland from how many bodies he has received objections to the proposals of the Educational Endowments Commissioners?

Mr. SKELTON

Seventy-two schemes received by the Department from the commissioners have been advertised in accordance with the statutory requirement, so as to give information to all interested persons, and to elicit objections. One hundred and fifty-six bodies have objected to various points in 71 of the schemes, an average of 2.2 per scheme. A number of these objections were to points of detail. Against the remaining scheme, that for Aberlour Orphanage, 846 objections were received, the majority of them printed postcards to the same effect from subscribers to the orphanage. The commissioners have asked the Department to remit this scheme to them, in order that effect may be given to certain agreed amendments which, I am informed, will render the scheme acceptable to the objectors.

Mr. BURNETT

Is there any means of stifling the activities of these commissioners, who are mutilating and mangling the bursary system of Scotland at the present time, and causing very great complaint?

Mr. SKELTON

The hon. Member will realise that very great difficulties are inherent in stifling Acts of Parliament.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Could the hon. Gentleman not put it to the commissioners that they should stop their activities and rely upon their ordinary humanity, because so much harm is being done?

Mr. SKELTON

I shall not contradict or attempt to contradict the orders of Parliament.

Sir M. WOOD

Is the hon. Gentleman in a position to make a statement as to the future of this commission?

Mr. SKELTON

I could not make a statement at the present moment as to whether legislation will be produced.