§ 32. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the controversies this year between county agricultural executive committees and education authorities and school management committees in different parts of the country on the subject of school holidays for agricultural work, he will consider framing regulations of a 2246 general character so that next year early preparations will be made, with clear understanding on the part of all those concerned, for the release of schoolchildren at all times when their work is required in the national interest for food production?
Mr. JohnstonThe arrangements made this year between agricultural executive committees and education authorities for the release of schoolchildren to assist agricultural operations have in general been most satisfactory. I cannot, therefore, accept the implication of the first part of the Question. Local difficulties have been few, but any improvements shown by experience to be necessary will be considered when the arrangements for next year are being made.