§ 32. Mr. Hugh D. Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up a committee to conduct a major inquiry into all aspects of education in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robert HughesThe education service in Scotland has many problems but I do not believe that a wide-ranging inquiry of this kind would be the best way of proceeding.
§ Mr. BrownMay I assume that the Government are already committed to continuing the committee of inquiry into truancy? Is my hon. Friend aware that there is more discontent in the teaching profession now, after three and a half years of Conservative Government, than there has been for many years? Surely, in these circumstances there is a case for having a wide-ranging inquiry into all the outstanding problems in Scottish education?
§ Mr. HughesI confirm that the committee of inquiry into truancy and indiscipline will proceed. An announcement of the chairman will be made shortly.
Of course I understand that there is a wide sense of dismay in the teaching profession at the last three and a half years, but I hope that the meetings which my right hon. Friend and I will have with the teachers wil help to repair some of the damage. When we have these discussions no doubt the teachers will want to raise many points, and we shall consider them and discuss them with them.
§ Mr. MonroIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I am glad that he is to continue the committee into truancy and indiscipline? Will he confirm whether it is his view that the Scottish Teachers' Service Conditions Committee is the right forum to bring forward problems of the type which have been mentioned?
§ Mr. HughesAs the hon. Gentleman knows, the question of service conditions 1031 is before this committee at the moment. However, if, after these discussions, the teachers' associations wish to raise with me further points for further inquiry, I shall certainly be prepared to meet them and listen to them.