HC Deb 22 May 1968 vol 765 cc528-9
29. Mr. Wright

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the talks between the Scottish Education Department and Glasgow Corporation over the proposal to institute a single date of entry into Glasgow primary schools.

Mr. Milan

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) on 15th May.—[Vol. 764, c. 1220–1.]

Mr. Wright

Does the Under-Secretary appreciate fully the anguish which this problem has caused a great many parents in Glasgow? Will he consider making the administration of infant and primary schools a great deal more flexible than it is in order to cope with this problem?

Mr. Millan

I do not understand that question. If the hon. Member will look at the Answer I gave last week he will see that the Secretary of State has asked Glasgow Corporation to go back to two entry dates for primary schools.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Does my hon. Friend agree that the political opportunism of the hon. Member for Glasgow, Pollok (Mr. Wright) almost rivals that of the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor)? Will he recognise that the very genuine concern by parents arises from the teacher shortage and part-time education which he inherited from hon. Members opposite?

Mr. Millan

I agree with both propositions.