33. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the position of the selective schools in Glasgow, with particular reference to the intake of primary pupils for the forthcoming session.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Development, Scottish Office (Mr. George Younger)My right hon. Friend is still considering Glasgow Education Authority's proposals for reorganisation of these schools. He has informed the authority today that, without prejudice to the long-term future of the High School of Glasgow, he is prepared to agree to there being no intake of new pupils to the 1722 primary department of the school in session 1972–73.
Mr. TaylorIs not my hon. Friend aware of a letter which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland wrote to the authority on 3rd May in which he said that he would enable Glasgow to continue with the status quo until such time as the plans of the authority to reorganise secondary and primary departments were approved? Why has there been a change of plan?
§ Mr. YoungerThere is a different situation with the secondary and primary schools and my right hon. Friend has advised that the present proposal of the authority as regards the primary intake does not require his approval. It is not open to him to prevent it.