§ 76. Mr. Hoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Scottish Universities Entrance Board has omitted geography and history from the list of subjects qualifying for entry to the universities; and what action he intends taking in the matter.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe new regulations of the Scottish Universities Entrance Board provide that a pass in history or geography on the higher grade in the Scottish Leaving Certificate may no longer be included as part of the minimum entrance qualification of three passes on the higher grade and two on the lower grade. I have informed the board that, in my view, 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. The decision as to the conditions on which any subject should be accepted for university entrance is, however, a matter for the universities themselves.
§ 77. Mr. Hoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advance notice was given to schools by the Scottish Universities Entrance Board that history and geography were no longer to be qualifying subjects; how many students were rejected because of this change of rule; and if he is aware of the resentment the decision has caused among Scottish school teachers.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe new regulations appeared in the "Announcements" of the Scottish Universities Entrance Board issued on 1st February, 1953, and the normal two years' notice of intended changes was therefore given. No students have yet been rejected as the new regulations do not begin to operate until 1st February, 1955. I am aware that the view is held among teachers of history and geography that the new regulations may have the effect of lowering the status of these subjects in the schools, but the decision as to the requirements for entry is a matter for the universities themselves.