§ Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the proposal of the Glasgow Education Committee to amalgamate schools which are large enough to demand the full attention of the headmaster; and that, under this scheme of amalgamation, it is proposed to amalgamate for a temporary period Whitehall school, which has about 1,750 pupils, with Onslow Drive school, which has over 800 pupils; what educational progress it is hoped to secure by such methods; and whether such amalgamation has secured his approval?
Mr. WedderburnThe proposal referred to has been submitted by the Glasgow Education Authority for approval. The authority represent that the arrangement is designed to secure for the pupils, until the new secondary school at Whitehill is completed, a wider choice of secondary courses that would otherwise be available. My right hon. Friend will consider the proposal in all its bearings, before deciding whether approval should be given.