§ 19. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consult the local education authorities with a view to adopting the comprehensive school as the basis of secondary education in Scotland.
§ Mr. J. StuartNo, Sir. I prefer to continue to leave it to each education authority to decide what type of secondary education is best suited to the particular circumstances and needs of its area.
§ Mr. HannanWe are aware that local authorities have this power, but does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the comprehensive school system would eliminate the risk which now obtains of children being allocated to the wrong type of school at the present early age?
§ Mr. StuartI think that the local education authorities are the best people to decide how this comprehensive school question should be handled in their respective areas. They do differ. Glasgow, for example, takes an entirely opposite view from Fife. Due regard must be had to the particular problems of each locality.
§ Mr. HamiltonDoes not the Secretary of State agree that experience of this policy in Scotland would suggest that the comprehensive school system is the right one to adopt in the future?
§ Mr. StuartI think that the right course is to allow the local people, who best know their needs, to have some say in the matter.