§ Mr. WASONasked the Secretary for Scotland if the attention of the Board of Agriculture has been called to the scarcity of seed oats and potatoes at Skerries; if steps will be taken to ascertain what amount is actually required; and if steps will be taken to ascertain the number of children of school age in the islands and how long they have been without a teacher?
§ Mr. MUNROI have communicated with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, who state that they have no information as to there being any scarcity of seed oats and potatoes at Skerries, but if my hon. Friend will arrange for a statement of the requirements of the district to be submitted the matter will receive consideration. The number of children of school age in the islands is approximately thirty, and they have been without a teacher since the end of June, 1918. There appears to be a possibility that a teacher may be appointed before the close of the current month. Failing such an appointment, it will be the duty of the new education authority for Shetland to make provision for the education of these children.