28. Mr. Maitlandasked the Minister of Education whether, since the shortage of agricultural labour is partly attributable to the centralisation of schooling, she will take steps to discourage this centralisation and foster the village schools.
§ The Minister of Education (Miss Florence Horsbrugh)I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave the hon. Member for Barkston Ash (Colonel Sir L. Ropner) on 6th December last.
Mr. MaitlandWill my right hon. Friend consult the Secretary of State for Scotland with regard to applying this policy also to those seats of learning North of the Border?
§ Miss HorsbrughI shall be very pleased to convey what my hon. Friend has said to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. John DugdaleIs the right hon. Lady aware of the very great success of the village colleges established in Cambridgeshire and will she convey to other local authorities the desirability of establishing similar colleges?
§ Miss HorsbrughI will certainly draw the attention of local authorities to the experiments which have been made and have been successful in other areas.
Mr. Hector McNeilWill the right hon. Lady tell the hon. Member for Lanark (Mr. Maitland) that there is a Department of Education for Scotland and that since he is now attempting to represent a Scottish constituency it is normal to address these Questions to that Department?
§ Miss HorsbrughAs Minister of Education for England and Wales I am always delighted to convey any information I can to those hon. Members who represent Scottish constituencies.
§ Mr. John ProfumoWill my right hon. Friend give an assurance that where village schools are now being transferred to diocesan authorities that will not prejudice their future use as village schools if it is found desirable later?
§ Miss HorsbrughI have said that I have no desire to encourage the closing of village schools.