HC Deb 04 March 1920 vol 126 cc674-5W
Mr. J. BROWN

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the National Advisory Committee on Education for Scotland has been constituted recently and that the Committee consists of 12 persons, only two of whom are women; that there are no primary teachers on the Committee; and if, in the interests of Scottish education, more women and a certain proportion of primary teachers could be appointed on the Committee?

Mr. MUNRO

It is the case that the Advisory Council consists of 12 persons, of whom two are women. In accordance with Scottish tradition, no attempt has been made to draw a distinction between primary and secondary education as regards representation on the Council, and I do not think it desirable that this should be done. The practical work of the Council will be done very largely through Sub-Committees appointed in terms of Paragraph 6 of the Order in Council, dated 22nd January, 1920, establishing the Advisory Council. These Sub-Committees will be composed largely of persons with special knowledge of the subjects under discussion, and in these circumstances it seems neither necessary nor desirable that the main body should be enlarged.