80. Sir I. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the resentment felt by members of the teaching profession and others interested in education in Scotland at the action of the Scottish Universities 115W Entrance Board in omitting geography and history from the list of subjects qualifying for entry to the universities; and if he will continue to draw the attention of the Board to the fears expressed by teachers on this change in the regulations.
§ Mr. J. StuartI know that the view has been widely expressed that the new regulations of the Scottish Universities Entrance Board may have the effect of lowering the status of geography and history in the schools, and I have no doubt that the Board are fully aware of this view. I have already informed the Board that there are grounds for believing that the change, through its effect on the planning of pupils' courses, may discourage the study of history and geography on the higher grade. I have as yet no direct evidence that this is happening, but if any such evidence is received I will convey it to the Board.