§ Captain WARINGasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that at the recent school board elections the single issue upon which the Landward and old parish school boards were elected was opposition to the proposed amalgamation with Banff burgh, whereas in the burgh the electors were not asked to express an opinion thereon; and whether, in considering the representations that have reached him, he will see that the will of the Scottish Education Department does not overrule the will of the people?
Mr. McKINNON WOODIt would appear from reports of meetings in the local press prior to the election that the burgh electors were fully informed as to the proposal to seek amalgamation with the Landward Board. With reference to the latter part of the question, my hon. Friend asks me to prejudge the case. I am not prepared to give any decision until the statutory period for receiving representations has expired.