§ Lieut.-Colonel Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many education authorities in Scotland make a charge for the supply 239W of school books, and how many supply these at the ratepayers' expense; and whether it is proposed to secure uniformity by insisting that text and exercise books shall be provided at the public expense so that elementary education in Scotland may indeed be free?
§ Mr. WestwoodAccording to the latest information available, thirteen education authorities in Scotland make a charge for the supply of school books and stationery except in necessitous cases. The remaining twenty-two authorities supply books and stationery free of charge to all non-fee-paying primary pupils in schools under their management. The question of providing text and exercise books at public expense in the primary divisions of all non-fee-paying schools will receive attention in connection with the review of educational provision in Scotland which is now being undertaken, and my right hon. Friend will carefully consider any recommendations that are made with regard to it.