asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many education authorities in Scotland are operating or being asked to operate the new Ordinary grade four years course; and if he is satisfied with the provisions being made to effect the transfer.

In the circular, of which I am sending the hon. Lady a copy, all education authorities were asked to provide courses for the new Ordinary grade. Any changes in the arrangements for the allocation of pupils to particular secondary courses and schools resulting from the introduction of the new courses require my approval.

Is the Secretary of State aware that the local authority whose area I represent is unanimously against his proposal and considers that it will create far more anomalies than it will remove? Will he have regard to the representations of that local authority?

I think that the hon. Lady knows that these proposals were very widely welcomed as being a great step forward in Scottish education.