§ 24. Mr. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will be in a position to announce the proposals of the Government for the reform of Scottish education; and whether he will do so in the form of a White Paper.
§ Mr. T. JohnstonI hope to be in a position to introduce towards the close of the present Session a Bill amending the law relating to education in Scotland. I should propose that this Bill will be given a First Reading only, so that before it is re-introduced next Session there will be an opportunity for full consideration and discussion of the Government's proposals by all parties interested. This will allow of any adjustment that is necessary being made in the terms of the Bill and will obviate the need for a White Paper which would inevitably go over much of the ground that has already been covered in the course of the progress of the English Education Bill.
§ Mr. BoothbyWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, as he is not going to issue a White Pager, the desirability of issuing a comprehensive explanatory memorandum?
§ Mr. JohnstonThat appears to be about the same thing.