asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the statistics of attendance on classes which he is to receive from the Scottish universities in connection with their annual reports for 1961–62 will include the numbers of those repeating classes as a result of failure or other cause.

The statistics of attendance on classes for 1961–62 contain no information about the numbers repeating classes.

Is the Secretary of State aware that this is the type of information that we most urgently need? Does he agree that we cannot tell how universities are doing and what their figures are, unless we know how successful the students are? Will he ensure that we get this information, not merely for the universities in total, but for each university separately?

I do not think I can add to what my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science said to the hon. Gentleman on 9th April.

Is the Secretary of State aware that he has those responsibilities under the 1889 Act? This is not a matter affecting the Secretary of State for Education and Science at all.

Yes, but the information which the hon. Gentleman wants is not called for by the 1889 Act.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although this information may not be officially available, it is known. It is not secret. If it is known, why should it not be made officially known?

The hon. Gentleman also probably read the answers my right hon. and learned Friend gave. I do not think I can add to them today.