HC Deb 14 March 1962 vol 655 c1307
28. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce an advanced grade of the leaving certificate.

Mr. Maclay

As I stated in my Answer of 5th December last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Commander Donaldson), I have accepted the Advisory Council's recommendation for the introduction of an advanced grade of the Scottish Certificate of Education. The necessary preparatory work in the various subjects is now being undertaken through a number of committees drawn from the schools, the universities, the central institutions, the colleges of education and Her Majesty's Inspectorate.

Mr. Rankin

May I welcome this action on the part of the Secretary of State in connection with the advanced certificate? Will the right hon. Gentleman now return to Question No. 27 and see whether he can do something about that too?

Mr. Maclay

I think that I should be strictly out of order if I did that.

Mr. Speaker

I think so also.