HC Deb 17 February 1965 vol 706 c1180
25. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now received all the representations from local authorities on the Brunton Report; and what action he proposes to take upon them.

Mr. Ross

Twenty-nine of the 35 education authorities have sent me their proposals for implementing the Brunton recommendations, and I expect the remainder shortly. Generally, the proposals are very satisfactory, and I shall keep in close touch with the authorities about their implementation.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Am I right in thinking that it was suggested that those replies should be returned by the end of October? What action has the right hon. Gentleman taken to encourage the remaining local authorities to come to some conclusion? Can he also say what has been the general nature of the replies he has received?

Mr. Ross

Yes. I agree that the hon. Lady is quite right about that, but I certainly think that in some cases we should not unduly press the authorities if they can show reasons for delays which can properly be accepted. After all, 29 out of 35 is not bad at all. The actual plans are quite interesting, because we have a recognition of the part which vocational education will play in respect of the link-up with industry. Some are directly related to that. Others are of a more experimental nature. We are studying them all in the formulation of the advice to be given to local authorities and in the discussions taking place between the inspectorate and education authorities.