§ 14. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding the future of education in Scotland comparable to the declaration regarding England and Wales made by the President of the Board of Education?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)I am aware that my right hon. Friend has referred in public statements to various aspects of the educational position after the war. These are matters which are being considered as part of the post-war reconstruction problem which, as my hon. Friend knows, is under consideration by a Cabinet Committee presided over by my right hon. Friend the Minister without Portfolio. I can assure him that Scottish traditions and Scottish needs in education will be fully presented.
§ Mr. MathersAre we to understand from that reply that the Secretary of State realises the importance of keeping Scotland ahead in matters educational?
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayIn view of the Answer of the right hon. Gentleman, and as I understand that the President of the 1058 Board of Education himself has announced that he is making a very full inquiry into English education, may I ask whether any appropriate Minister of Scotland is making the same kind of inquiry?
§ Mr. JohnstonYes, Sir, but these reports will go through the appropriate Cabinet Committee.