HC Deb 03 April 1963 vol 675 cc448-9
43. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he proposes to close the demonstration school of Aberdeen Educational College; and what he proposes to substitute for it.

Mr. Noble

I refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Answer I gave him on 27th March.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Secretary of State realise that the Principal of Aberdeen University and other distinguished teachers in Aberdeen are against the closing of this demonstration school and that they regard it as wasteful? Will he reconsider the matter and allow the college to continue the good work it has been doing over the years?

Mr. Noble

I am aware that there are people in Aberdeen who think that this demonstration school should go on. But the decision is one primarily for the authority itself in Aberdeen, and I think that in this case it is right.

Mr. Hendry

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a great many people in the north-east of Scotland are grateful to him for the very prompt action he has taken in that part of the world to increase the supply of teachers and they have great confidence in the action he is taking to provide training in teaching practice in other schools in the area?

Mr. Noble

I thank my hon. Friend for that. The education authority in Aberdeen is probably the best staffed in Scotland, and I hope that it will remain so.