HC Deb 14 March 1973 vol 852 c1289
26. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give special assistance to the Zetland County Council in dealing with the situation over school buildings at Whalsay which lost their roofs during a recent gale.

Mr. Monro

I understand that the education authority will put forward proposals for new permanent building at this school. I shall have regard to the priority which it attaches to this project in determining school building allocations.

Mr. Grimond

Is the Under-Secretary aware that this will all take time and that meanwhile this quite exceptional event has caused grave disquiet and disruption to education on Whalsay? Will the Scottish Office undertake to make a special effort to get these buildings put right and bear part of the cost?

Mr. Monro

I appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's concern. He will realise from the letter I have written to him that the education authority has taken steps to look after the safety of the children. It is now up to the education authority to write to the Scottish Education Department and tell the Department what it wants to do. We will consider the priorities in the light of what the authority says.