asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the omnibus or multilateral school has been recommended by the Scottish Advisory Council on Secondary Education as the best form of secondary education; and if he will take steps to ensure that in future all new Scottish secondary schools conform to this type.

I am aware that the Advisory Council in their report on secondary education have expressed a pre- ference for the omnibus type of school, wherever practicable, although they recognise that its adoption may not be in the best interests of every area. Until consideration of the report has been completed, I am not in a position to say to what extent the Council's recommendation will be adopted.

Will the Minister ensure that the officers in his Department give the closest attention to this question, as many of those who are interested in education consider that it is very important from the point of view of the further development of education in Scotland?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that not only are the officers of my Department giving this matter their closest attention, but because of my own experience and as the Minister responsible, I am giving it my personal attention.

Could not these schools be given less ridiculous and clearer names?