HC Deb 12 February 1958 vol 582 cc66-8W
Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision is made in Scotland in schools under his jurisdiction for teaching the composition and execution of vocal and instrumental music; how this has been affected by the Purchase Tax on musical instruments; and what steps he plans to take to make available to teachers and students of music in Scotland sufficient musical instruments at reasonable prices to maintain the standards of teaching and study.

Mr. Maclay

Singing is taught in all public and grant-aided schools and teaching of instrumental music has increased greatly in recent years: musical composition is normally taught only to pupils studying music for the Scottish Leaving Certificate Examination. I have no evidence that the cost of instruments has discouraged music teaching.