Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 March 1947.
Mr Jon Rankin
, Glasgow Tradeston
12:00,
4 March 1947
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reasons for the dismissal of Mr. W. S. Low from his position as headmaster of Rossie Farm Approved School, Angus; if he is satisfied with the conditions under which the school is being administered; and if he is aware that the staff is inadequately trained for carrying out the work of this large approved school.
Mr Joseph Westwood
, Stirling and Falkirk District of Burghs
Following an examination of conditions at Rossie Farm School by a sub-committee of the managers, the latter asked the Scottish Education Department to carry out an independent investigation before a decision was taken on a recommendation by the sub-committee that Mr. Low should be dismissed. This inquiry was undertaken by His Majesty's Senior Chief Inspector of Schools, and in the light of his report the managers decided to implement the recommendation. The difficulty of strengthening staff and improving training facilities in present circumstances is appreciated but the managers were satisfied that in addition to such other action as may be practicable to meet these difficulties a change in the headmastership was essential to the efficient conduct of the school.
Mr Jon Rankin
, Glasgow Tradeston
Would the Secretary of State say whether or not Mr. Low was invited to give evidence before this commission?
Mr Joseph Westwood
, Stirling and Falkirk District of Burghs
I cannot answer that question without notice.
Mr William Gallacher
, Fife Western
Has not this man been mistaken for the Low the Tories are after?
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.