§ 91. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the letter dated 27th April from Mrs. Macrae, Castle Dhu, Erribol, wife of a shepherd, whose children, aged 6 and 8, respectively, have been deprived of education since May, 1949; if he is now aware that the parents are not blameworthy; and if he is satisfied that the provisions of the Education Acts have been properly carried out in respect of these children.
§ Miss HerbisonI have seen the letter and have also had inquiry made locally. On the fuller information now available I agree that there were reasonable grounds for the parents' refusal of the conveyance offered. I feel, however, that the offer to have the children taught in the house, as had been the practice with a previous family, might have been accepted. I am satisfied that the authority did what they could to discharge their statutory duty in circumstances of exceptional difficulty.