§ 4. Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement about the future of the grant-aided schools in Scotland.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe Government will continue to support these schools. I am examining their financial situation but I am not yet in a position to make a more detailed statement.
§ Mr. MacArthurNone the less, will my right hon. Friend give a clear assurance that the Government will do everything possible to encourage these schools and so protect their fine and continuing contribution to Scottish education?
§ Mr. CampbellYes, I can give that assurance.
§ Mr. GourlayIs the Secretary of State aware of the gross inequalities between grant-aided and education authority schools in Scotland? Is he further aware that recently the three promotion classes in Burntisland primary school have been increased to more than 40 pupils per teacher compared with 28 per teacher in the grant-aided George Watt College in Edinburgh? What action will he take to remove this gross injustice from Scottish education?
§ Mr. CampbellI do not accept the general remarks of the hon. Gentleman. I am fully aware of the situation resulting from the freezing of grants by the last Government, and the whole question is being considered.