§ 8. Mr. Westwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that headmasters in Perthshire and Kinross-shire schools have been instructed to exclude children from school because they had no school books, which had been withdrawn from the children by the instructions of the general purposes subcommittee of the education committee; and what action does he propose to safeguard the educational rights and progress of the children?
§ Mr. ElliotI understand that certain children whose parents refuse to supply the necessary school books, or to undertake to pay the appropriately modified charge made by the education authority for their use, have been excluded from school, but that the question is being further considered by the education authority. I am informed that books are supplied by the authority without charge in necessitous cases.
§ Mr. WestwoodWhat action does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take to see that the children are at least educated during the time that the local authorities may be meeting in conference?
§ Mr. ElliotThat is a matter entrusted by Parliament to the education authority, which is the appropriate body to consider it.
§ Mr. WestwoodIs it not within the power of the Secretary of State for Scotland to withhold grants from an authority like Perthshire, if they will not see that the children are properly educated, not only through the provision of books, but through the provision of properly built schools?
§ Mr. ElliotA case with which the hon. Member will be acquainted is that of Haddow versus Glasgow School Board, in which it was held that the school board acted within its powers in taking this action.
§ Mr. MathersDoes the right hon. Gentleman know of the wide interest in this case as indicated by communications received by several hon. Members including myself, and does he not realise the importance of having a uniform practice in Scotland in respect of the provision of school books?
§ Mr. ElliotI am bound by Statute in this matter.