HC Deb 04 December 1968 vol 774 cc1522-3
30. Mr. Dewar

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the progress being made by Scottish local authorities with the comprehensive reorganisation of secondary education: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ross

Yes, I am satisfied, but the rate at which reorganisation can be implemented depends to some extent on the size and nature of existing school accommodation and on priorities in the building programme for each area.

Mr. Dewar

Will my right hon. Friend look most carefully at any attempt to rethink the accepted content of reorganisation schemes as a result of events at municipal elections in May?

Mr. Ross

Perhaps my hon. Friend has in mind something which might well be mooted in Aberdeen. I assure him that we shall give everything our usual careful consideration before coming to a decision.

Mr. W. H. K. Baker

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will give directions that there should not be any further concentration of secondary education in certain circumstances?

Mr. Ross

If the hon. Gentleman looks at what has been done over the country, he will see that we have been flexible in our approach, bearing in mind all the local circumstances.