Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he recommended local authorities in Scotland to grant schoolchildren a day's holiday to mark the anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta; what representations he has received regarding his decision and what reply he has sent; how many local authorities have rejected his advice; what percentage of schoolchildren in Scotland did not receive the holiday in consequence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossI am sending the hon. Member a copy of the memorandum which was issued to education authorities and which explained the reasons for drawing attention to the anniversaries of Magna Carta and Parliament. I have received 17 letters about the matter, all of which have been acknowledged. Since it is entirely a matter for the authorities whether to adopt the suggestion about a holiday I have not asked them to report their decisions.