HC Deb 21 December 1954 vol 535 cc2583-4
33. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a grant to ensure that the girl who passed first in her class at Dornoch Academy, details of whose case are in his possession, shall be able to obtain training in shorthand and typewriting at Inverness, as such training is not available to her in Sutherland.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have no power to make such a grant. I understand, however, that Sutherland education authority informed the parent that it was prepared to consider an application for a bursary to enable the girl to attend evening classes in shorthand and typewriting during the current session, which are available in its own area as well as Inverness.

Sir D. Robertson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this girl cannot afford to stay in the Highland village of Embo out of work, which would be her lot if she was dependent on evening classes? Is he also aware that my Question was directed to asking my right hon. Friend to give her a bursary for full-time training in Inverness on terms equal to that offered her to the value of over £100 for training in domestic service at Bridge of Allan?

Mr. Stuart

I think the best thing that my hon. Friend could do, if he would not mind my offering the suggestion, would be to have a friendly talk with the Sutherland Education Committee to see if a grant can be budgeted for.

Mr. Ede

Would it not be better for the right hon. Gentleman himself to have a talk with the Sutherland Education Committee, its friendliness depending on its responsiveness to his approach?

Mr. Stuart

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. If he thinks that my intervention would be of any help, and if my hon. Friend has no objection. I will do my best.

Sir D. Robertson

While I always value the advice of my right hon. Friend, is it not a fact that about five-sixths of what is spent in paying for education in Sutherland is the taxpayers' money, and is it not his responsibility to a much greater extent than that of the Education Committee?

Mr. Stuart

I think that although central funds do contribute very largely, this is a matter for the local education authority.