HC Deb 10 November 1966 vol 735 c1522
23. Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will now seek power to provide grants for educational and recreational projects located in Scotland but organised by English and Welsh schools.

Mr. Denis Howell

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 28th July.

Mr. Hamling

Is my hon. Friend aware that great pressure has been put not only on his Department but on my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland on this issue? This has been going on for two years. Can we expect some early legislation?

Mr. Howell

We are aware of the continued pressure because we are at the receiving end, but I cannot offer the prospect of early legislation.

Sir E. Boyle

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, from the point of view of a project well known to many hon. Members on both sides of the House, his answer is very unsatisfactory? Some of us may try to seek an opportunity for filling in this very small hole in our legislation on a matter which could easily be put right.

Mr. Howell

We have considerable sympathy for the aims here, but, having looked at the legal difficulties, I am not sure that it can be dealt with as simply as the right hon. Gentleman suggests.