§ Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what saving is estimated from the application of the new procedure outlined in Circular 315 of the Scottish Education Department.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe object of the new procedure is not to save money but to free Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools from the need to visit schools for the sole purpose of conducting practical tests in connection with the Scottish Leaving Certificate Examination, and so to give them greater opportunities of visiting schools of all kinds for the purpose of inspecting and advising on the teaching of art.
§ Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he had, prior to issue of Circular 315, with representatives of the teaching profession; and how far they expressed approval of the proposals contained in Circular 315.
§ Mr. J. StuartConsultations took place with the Educational Institute of Scotland, the Association of Headmasters of Senior Secondary Schools, and the Association of Headmistresses (Scottish Branch). After the original proposals had been adjusted to take full account of the views expressed by these bodies, approval was expressed by all on the understanding that the new procedure would be introduced on an experimental basis and would remain open to reconsideration in the light of experience.