§ 3. Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received for the reorganisation of education in Sutherland upon comprehensive lines from the Sutherland County Council; and what reply he has sent.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Bruce Millan)Sutherland Education Authority proposed that there should be one six-year comprehensive school and three four-year junior high schools in the county, the former at Golspie and the latter at Dornoch, Lairg and Farr. My right hon. Friend has 1342 approved these proposals, subject to further consideration of the timing and other details of their implementation.
§ Mr. MaclennanIs my hon. Friend aware that proposals and counterproposals have been made over the last three years for the reorganisation of education in Sutherland and that there is concern in the county over the delay in reaching a final conclusion in this matter? Is he also aware that there is further concern, arising out of the recently announced Government cuts, that the necessary finance will not be available to bring this difficult situation to a speedy resolution?
§ Mr. MillanI do not wish to see a prolonged period of uncertainty. If there has been delay, the responsibility does not rest on me. I do not think the point raised by my hon. Friend will affect the proposals I have just described.