§ 40. Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland which local authorities have not conformed with his policy to abolish fee-paying schools; and whether he will now allow local authorities greater freedom in determining the form of secondary education in their areas.
§ Mr. MillanEdinburgh has recently reaffirmed that it wishes to continue its fee-paying schools on their present basis. Glasgow wishes to discuss with my right hon. Friend the future position of its fee-paying and selective schools. Following Circular No. 600, my right hon. Friend has approved proposals from authorities for reorganising their provision of secondary education on a comprehensive basis in a number of ways.
§ Mr. MacArthurWhat attitude will the right hon. Gentleman now take towards Edinburgh and Glasgow local authorities in this matter? Will he continue a system of consultation, or does he intend, as we fear, to move to compulsion?
§ Mr. MillanAs I have said, we shall be discussing this question with Glasgow, who have asked to meet us on it, and we shall also have to have further consultations with Edinburgh.