63. Mr. McNeilasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to publish a White Paper on Educational Reconstruction in Scotland, and when?
Mr. JohnstonThe Advisory Council on Education in Scotland are presently engaged upon five remits, the terms of which I communicated to the House during last Wednesday's Debate. These remits cover a wide field, and I feel that I could not usefully consider the question of a White Paper on Educational Reconstruction in Scotland until I have received the reports on these remits.
Mr. McNeilDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that there is some anxiety among Scottish Members on this side of the House in case a Debate is forced on us before we have had an ample opportunity of considering a White Paper? We have no guarantee when these remits are to be exhausted.
§ Mr. BoothbyIs it the intention to issue a White Paper when the Report of the Educational Committee is received?
Mr. JohnstonI think the likelihood is that we shall, but it will only be courteous to the Advisory Committee to await their Report.
§ Mr. SloanWill there be a delay of 12 months after the English Bill before we have an Education Bill for Scotland?
Mr. JohnstonI cannot admit that any interval between the two Bills will be a delay because of the different position in the two countries.