EDUCATION (SCOTLAND) BILL [H.L.] (Hansard, 28 May 1900)

§ LORD REAY

I did not oppose the Second Reading of this Bill, and I 1452 do not intend to oppose its Third Reading; but I must express my regret that the noble Lord has not been able to accede to our wishes with regard to the means of establishing schools in districts. I consider that that is one of the deficiencies of the Bill. I am afraid there are in the Bill certain elements of friction between the local higher education committees and school boards, and for that reason I also regret that the noble Lord should not accept my Amendment with regard to the appeal to be given on Sub-section 3 to Clause 5. With regard to the financial differences, I very much regret that under the Bill deficiencies are created where at present there are no deficiencies. I regret that in cases where school boards can supply all the deficiencies for existing institutions, there will in the future be a disturbance, and a deficiency will be created which has hitherto not existed. The last point, on which I very much regret the noble Lord did not give way, was with regard to granting some representation to the educational interests of Scotland, which, I think, would have strengthened the action of the Department, and made it more popular in Scotland than at present. I do not object to the action of the Department, but think that it is required in order to give what I hope the Bill will give, but about which I am doubtful not onlyan improved system of secondary education, but a system of secondary education and technical education.

§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Lord BALFOUR of BURLEIGH)

I may perhaps not be thought courteous to the noble Lord if I do not take notice of his remarks: He will not, of course, expect me to re-discuss the matters which we settled when the House was in Committee. Therefore I will not say anything in detail on the points which he has raised. I am unable to understand one point he mentioned, to the effect that the Bill creates deficiencies which do not now exist. I am wholly 1453 unable to understand that, because I think where any change is made by the Bill it is in supplying deficiencies that exist rather than in creating them. The noble Lord says the Bill will create friction between the school boards and the local higher education committees. I suppose that when a point is decided one way or another there must be disappointment on the side against which the decision has been arrived at. To the best of my belief, the points which have been raised have been decided in accordance with the wish of the majority of those who are really interested, and until I see stronger proof than I have yet been able to discern of any dissatisfaction with the views which we arrived at in. Committee, I shall continue to hold that opinion. I thank the noble Lords from Scotland for the assistance they have given mo in connection with this Bill, and I sincerely hope it will meet with as favourable a reception in the other House.