Sir J. HOPEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Government proposals with regard to education will 2000W increase or decrease materially that part of the cost of education which is borne by local rates in Scotland?
§ Mr. MUNROI regret that I am unable to offer an opinion on the point raised by my hon. and gallant Friend. The answer to his question depends upon the extent to which individual education authorities may be able and willing to effect such economies as may seem in the circumstances to be reasonable.
Sir J. HOPEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the decision of the Government that the attendance at school of children under six should be voluntary, he proposes to introduce a Bill amending Section 7 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908; and whether he will instruct local education authorities that they should make arrangements for the future on the presumption that the number of children under six attending school will be reduced?
§ Mr. MUNROI propose to take steps to have Section 7 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, amended as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I do not think it necessary to issue instructions to local education authorities on a matter which in present circumstances may safely be left to their discretion.