§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the ways in which members of Her Majesty's inspectorate are accountable for their work, with particular reference to inspection of, and reporting on, schools and colleges; and what remedies are available to those who consider that they have been or may have been, unfairly treated in the course of Her Majesty's inspectorate's activities.
§ Mr. John MacKayHer Majesty's inspectorate is part of the Scottish Education Department and is thus formally accountable to my right hon. and learned Friend. However, in practice it enjoys independence of professional judgment in the exercise of its functions, the conduct of its inspections and the content of its reports, although my right hon. and learned Friend is accountable for any decision to publish its advice. It is open to anyone who believes he has been unfairly treated in the course of Her Majesty's inspectors discharge of their duties to make representations to my right hon. and learned Friend or, in the last resort, to pursue complaints through the courts.