asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average waiting time between a decision of the children's panel that a child is to reside in a list D school and the date of admission to the school.

The waiting time can vary according to factors such as the category of school involved and the age and sex of the child. In the year to March 1973 about half the children for whom a list D school placing was judged suitable were admitted within four weeks of the hearing. The proportion has recently dropped to about a quarter, and some boys who are going to senior or intermediate schools may, on present indications, have to wait about six months.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many places were available in list D schools in April 1971 and at the latest available date.

1,860 in March 1971 and 1,790 in January 1974. The difference is due to improvements in the standard of accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many places in list D schools he plans to provide over the next four years.

Buildings under construction or being planned should produce about 80 new places.