asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has now considered the Wheatley Report, Command Paper No. 2066;and whether he intends to introduce the necessary legislation to establish a general teaching council.

My right hon. Friend has still to receive comments on the recommendations from some of the interested bodies, who have until the end of the month to convey their views. I cannot say at present when my right hon. Friend will be in a position to make a statement.

In considering this matter, will the hon. Lady ask her right hon. Friend to bear in mind the growing perturbation not only among teachers but among parents about the large proportion of teachers who are uncertificated and who fall below the standard necessary? Will she also bear in mind that the last revision of these regulations took place in 1931 and that therefore there is urgency for this reform? Finally, will she bear in mind that many of the Robbins Committee's recommendations cannot possibly be carried out unless and until such a council is formed?

I am sure that all these matters will be considered, but I have said that we have to wait for the last representations until the end of the month.