§ Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can bring any pressure upon, or offer any financial inducement to, the existing school authorities in Scotland to grant promptly such addition to the salaries of teachers, especially those in country schools, upon whom the burden of the increased cost of living is pressing with great severity, and whose hardships under the present conditions must have serious consequences to the efficiency of the schools and upon Scottish education generally?
§ Mr. MUNROThe terms of Section 55 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1872, under which school boards are charged with the appointment and remuneration of teachers, preclude me from enforcing any increase of teachers'salaries. I have, however, offered such financial inducement to the school authorities as the funds at my disposal permit, and a considerable general improvement has been effected. I am of opinion that the difficulties referred to by my right hon. Friend will best be met by having the new authorities elected as soon as possible. An Order for their election will be issued this week.