HC Deb 09 July 1935 vol 304 cc143-5
16. Mr. McKIE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the alteration by the Scottish Education Commissioners in the status of a school has led to a loss of pension rights in the case of Miss Munro, who has served that authority as matron of the Girls' Home, Newton Stewart, for 30 years; under what authority the Education Commissioners acted; and whether their action had his approval?

remainder of the information asked for involves a number of figures, I propose, with the Noble Lady's permission, to circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Duchess of ATHOLL

Would my right hon. and learned Friend represent to his colleague that we were given to understand on the Committee stage of the Scottish Housing Bill that he was going to make investigations into a second thousand houses or thereabouts, and that the numbers now given do not nearly represent that second thousand houses that were to be investigated?

The LORD ADVOCATE

I will convey the Noble Lady's remarks to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. McKIE

Will my right hon. and learned Friend convey to the Secretary of State for Scotland the desirability of investigating the figures in the counties not mentioned in the question, including the county of Wigtown?

Viscountess ASTOR

In view of the conditions in many parts of Scotland, will my right hon. and learned Friend beg the Government to encourage open-air nursery schools?

Following is the statement referred to:

The LORD ADVOCATE

If after the change Miss Munro does not occupy a post in which employment is reckoned for superannuation she will not become entitled to a pension. She will, however, be entitled to the return of her contributions with interest and if she is continued in the service of the home the Governors will have power to award her a retiring allowance. As to the second part of the question, the Commissioners in framing their scheme acted under statutory powers. No objections to the section of the scheme changing the status of the school were received and it duly received the approval of my right hon. Friend.

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