§ 8. Sir David Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why Laid School was closed from 9th February until 1st March; whether the substitute teacher who was subsequently engaged was unemployed and available for duty from 9th February onwards; and if he is satisfied that the closing of the school for such a time was justified.
Mr. McNeilLaid side School was closed on 9th February because of the teacher's illness. The substitute engaged on 1st March was free in the interval. She was, however, only 17 and lacked both experience and teaching qualification. I consider, therefore, that the authority were justified in first seeking to obtain a substitute with better qualifications.
§ Sir D. RobertsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is an exceedingly serious matter to close down a school with 13 children because the teacher has phlebitis, and was it beyond the capacity of the education authority to transfer these children to a neighbouring school a few miles away or to get a substitute teacher much earlier?
Mr. McNeilI believe it is a serious matter for such a number of children to be denied day school education, but it would also have been a serious matter to engage a girl whose qualifications were not adequate. I am satisfied, having looked at the situation, that the authority did all in their power at the time.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there was any sense of urgency at all in the manner in which this case was tackled by the education authority?