§ 21. Sir J. Henderson-Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the representations made to him about the probable effects which the proposed new regulations of the Scottish Universities Entrance Board will have on the work of the schools, what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThe regulations are a matter for the universities themselves, although they consult my right hon. Friend's Department. As Glasgow University has intimated dissent from the regulations, the other universities have petitioned the Queen in Council praying for them to be approved. I understand that Her Majesty at a Council this morning referred the matter to the Scottish Universities Committee for consideration and report. A notice is being published shortly by the Privy Council Office in the Edinburgh Gazette and certains newspapers circulating in Scotland about the submission of petitions for or against such approval.
§ Sir J. Henderson-StewartI think I heard my hon. Friend say something about the Scottish Universities Committee. Who forms that Committee? Secondly, may one take it that members of the Educational Institute of Scotland and other groups of teachers may have an opportunity of expressing their feelings about this matter?
§ Mr. MacphersonIn reply to the first part of the supplementary question, I would inform my hon. Friend that he will find the composition of the Committee referred to in Section 9 of the Universities (Scotland) Act, 1889. In answer to the second part of the supplementary question, notice will be given regarding the submission of petitions and it will then be for the Committee to decide how these should be dealt with. Certainly, the E.I.S. will have an opportunity to submit petitions.