§ 8. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland which schools have applied to him for direct grants to replace grants until now given by local authorities; what are the amounts of the grants requested; and what reply he has made.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonI assume the hon. Gentleman is referring to independent schools which received contributions under Section 25 (1) of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1946, from education authorities who were reimbursed in full. Fourteen such schools have applied provisionally for direct grant. With permission I will circulate their names in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. ThomsonWould the hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer my last point, which was what reply is being made to them? Will he bear in mind that this matter raises important principles, both in relation to the right of local authorities to dispose of their general grants and in relation to educational policy in Scotland generally? Would the hon. Gentleman agree to give the House fuller information about what his right hon. Friend proposes before any final decision is made?
§ Mr. MacphersonNew regulations will be laid in connection with the direct grant and the House will have an opportunity to discuss them then.
§ The following is the list:
- Aberdeen, Albyn School for Girls.
- Aberdeen, St. Margaret's School for Girls.
- Dumfries, Maxwelltown Benedictine Convent.
- Dumfries, St. Joseph's College.
- Dunbarton, St. Bride's School.
- Edinburgh, Melville College.
- Edinburgh, St. Mary's Cathedral Choir School.
- Edinburgh, John Watson's School.
- Glasgow, Westbourne School for Girls.
- Glasgow, Laurel Bank School.
- Glasgow, The Park School.
- Glasgow, Craigholme School.
- Glasgow, Kelvinside Academy.
- Renfrew, St. Columba's School.