46. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish children are receiving part-time education; and what percentage of these is in Glasgow.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Dr. J. Dickson Mabon)2,126 at the end of May—all in Glasgow.
Mr. TaylorWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that this reveals a very alarming situation which could well get worse as a result of his right hon. Friend's disgraceful handling of the salary claim of the Scottish teachers? What specific steps will he take to ensure that Glasgow bears only its fair share of the teacher shortage instead of the present situation in which, with only one-fifth of the population of Scotland, we have all of the children who are receiving part-time education?
§ Dr. MabonThe hon. Gentleman must know that the situation at the end of May was much better than it was under the Conservative Government in 1964, and that the number has been more than halved since March, 1965. As for the steps we shall take, the Roberts Report will be received next month and we hope and desire that my right hon. Friend will be able to take appropriate steps then in addition to what he has already done.
§ Mr. Hector HughesDoes my hon. Friend realise that he has not answered the first part of the Question? Does he realise that there are children in other cities in Scotland as well as Glasgow and 1036 will he give the percentage figures for those receiving part-time education?
§ Dr. MabonI must remind my hon. and learned Friend that I am informed that there are no children, other than in Glasgow, who are receiving part-time education.