§ 18. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many letters he has received about his proposal to close the demonstration school and other schools in Aberdeen; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. NobleI have received letters from two groups protesting against the decision by the Governors of Aberdeen College of Education to discontinue the demonstration school, and in reply I have explained why I approved the decision. I have also had some 260 letters of protest against Aberdeen Education Committee's proposal to discontinue the primary departments at Aberdeen Grammar School and Aberdeen High School for Girls, a proposal on which I have as yet reached no decision. The letters of protest have been acknowledged.
§ Mr. HughesWould not the Secretary of State agree that these letters represent a large and widespread expression of reasoned opposition to the closure of the demonstration school particularly on the 205 ground that during its long history it has done very good work; is doing very good work; has attracted good teachers has produced distinguished alumni, and that no adequate reason has been given for the closure of this very distinguished school? Will he, therefore, reconsider his decision to close the demonstration school?
§ Mr. NobleI cannot reconsider my decision about the demonstration school. I am convinced that, from the educational point of view, no one in Aberdeen will suffer.