HC Deb 26 April 1920 vol 128 cc864-5W
Major GLYN

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is anticipated that the Scottish Education Fund will be sufficient to meet the expenses of the Board of Education in Scotland up to 50 per cent. as promised by the Education Department; whether he is aware of the burden that the cost of administering the Education (Scotland) Act imposes upon the ratepayers; and whether he will consider the revision of the working of the Act, whilst in no manner altering the improved salaries and pensions awarded to teachers?

Mr. M0RIS0N

My right hon. Friend is glad to say that the amount of money paid into the Education (Scotland) Fund will be sufficient to meet 50 per cent. of the approved expenditure of authorities as promised by the Department. As regards the latter part of the question, since the main cause of the increased cost of education to the ratepayers is the much-needed improvement that has been effected in the financial position of teachers, no revision of the working of the Act could bring any appreciable relief unless it were to infringe the condition for which my hon. Friend rightly stipulates.