The SNP's Cllr John Mason who had asked the question said later, "Labour are always saying how keen they are to consult parents on all sorts of issues so why are they not willing to do so now?   No other group of parents are asked to bring forward a "well developed proposal".   The normal method is for the Council to develop a proposal which they then put to parents for comment.   This is what has happened with the merging of primary schools, school closures, the new school for deaf and blind children, etc.   Why should Muslim parents be treated differently and be expected to develop a proposal themselves?   I think this is a very shabby way to treat this large ethnic minority group in our City."

[NB Gordon Matheson promised opposition councillors a written copy of his full response but this is still awaited.]