5. Mr. MCKIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make any statement regarding the decision to discontinue the teaching of Latin at Whithorn School?
§ Mr. SKELTONLast year the education authority of Wigtownshire rearranged the curriculum at Whithorn higher grade public school. The curriculum at the time offered the opportunity of pupils taking either, or both, French and Latin. In view of the very small number who, in the preceding years, had taken Latin, the education authority decided that the only foreign language to be taught should be French. On full consideration of all the circumstances my right hon. Friend sees no reason for interfering with the discretion of the responsible local authority.
Mr. MCKIEIn view of the fact that there is a very sharp feeling among many people in the parishes concerned, will the hon. Gentleman keep this matter carefully in mind?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe matter has been very fully and carefully considered, in view of the representations made, and, in. all the circumstances, I have nothing to add to the answer which I have given.