§ 74. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children have been committed to approved schools in the Glasgow area during the last 12 months; and how many of these children are under 10 years of age?
Mr. WEDDERBURNThe number of children and young persons resident in the area of the Glasgow Education Authority who were committed to approved schools 1510 in Scotland during the 12 months ended 31st October, 1936, was 218, of whom 15 were under 10 years of age at the time of their committal.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the Under-Secretary look into this and find out whether it is necessary to collect children of these tender years and send them to these institutions?
Mr. WEDDERBURNAs the hon. Member is no doubt aware, Section 18 of the Act provides that the court shall not order a child under the age of 10 years to be sent to an approved school unless for any reason including the want of a satisfactory person of his own religious persuasion who is willing to undertake the care of him, they are satisfied that he cannot be suitably dealt with otherwise. The discretion of sending children to these approved schools lies entirely with the courts, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no power to interfere with their discretion.
§ Mr. MAXTONIf I send the hon. Member the case of a child of seven years who was committed to an approved school, when the conditions he has set out did not prevail, will he look into it?
Mr. WEDDERBURNI will certainly look into the case, but I would remind the hon. Member that it is a matter for the courts.