§ 13. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent it is the practice in Scottish schools to enlist the help of headmasters in security checks against pupils past or present.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonHeadmasters are frequently consulted by prospective employers about the suitability of individual pupils and former pupils for particular posts of many kinds, including posts entailing security risks.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan the hon. Member be a bit more specific? Is he aware that this Question arises out of the extremely disturbing answers which were given on a similar issue in England by the Minister of Education just before Whitsun? Is he aware that on that occasion we were given to understand that the police, M.I.5 were asking headmasters, or their equivalent, of senior secondary schools in England about the political activities of senior pupils? Will the hon. Member give us an assurance that that is not the practice in Scotland?
§ Mr. MacphersonTo the best of my knowledge, no questions are asked about the political views of pupils or former pupils. This is a check on the reliability of candidates in a most important field, just as any other prospective employer would carry out a check.