§ 15. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the objection in Scotland to schemes prepared by the Educational Endowments Commission, in view of the tendency of the schemes to set at nought the wishes of testators; and whether he will consider amending this Act in order to ensure that greater effect can be given to the wishes of local interests in adhering, as far as possible, to the original schemes of testators?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)I am aware that certain of the schemes prepared by the Endowments Commissioners have evoked criticism of the nature indicated. It must be borne in mind, however, that, before any scheme can come into operation, the approval of my right hon. Friend, as responsible for the Scottish Education Department, has to be given. With regard to the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend does not consider it to be necessary to amend the Act in the direction indicated. The present Act, based on the unanimous recommendations of the Committee presided over by Lord Mackenzie, enjoins that special regard should be paid to the spirit of the intention of the founders. Further, existing conditions, both social and educational, have to be kept in mind. These legislative directions appear to afford sufficient guide for the preparation and approval of schemes.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIf my hon. Friend is not prepared to introduce legislation to amend the Act of 1928, what other method is there by which the Educational Endowments Commissioners can be curbed in their activities in preventing any testator from disposing of his money as he pleases?
§ Mr. SKELTONI have already informed my hon. and gallant Friend of the fact that schemes have to be approved by the Department before coming into operation, and there is further procedure to which I shall have to refer in answer to a subsequent question.