§ 45. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Prime Minister if he will recommend the setting up of a Royal Commission on the status, rewards and conditions of employment of the teaching profession in Scotland.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)No, Sir. I see no sufficient reason for a Royal Commission on this subject at the present time.
§ Mr. ThomsonIs not the Prime Minister aware that there is an unprecedented state of discontent in the Scottish teaching profession over the Government's policy, and that it is actually engaged in a public campaign against the policy of the Government? Should not something be done about this matter now, before the whole foundation of the teaching profession in Scotland, which is one of our proudest national assets, is undermined?
§ The Prime MinisterWe cannot multiply Royal Commissions too much and I think that this is one which is not required at the present time.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the Prime Minister aware that, as far as her physical resources are concerned, Scotland is very hardly dealt with, and that her prosperity depends almost entirely on the quality, education, training and industry of her people? Is he aware that if Scotland's education suffers, it is quite evident that her population cannot live at the standard enjoyed by people in more fortunate circumstances? Would he agree that this question of the teaching profession in Scotland is of the greatest importance?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that the right hon. Gentleman is taking a some what pessimistic view of Scotland. I never knew that it was so much a subject of pity. Most of us have regarded it as a subject of admiration—
§ Mr. WoodburnHer people.
§ The Prime MinisterThe education of her people is part of that. I do not think that the solving of problems by setting up Royal Commissions is a policy which can be pursued indefinitely.