HC Deb 25 February 1879 vol 243 cc1752-3
MR. J. C. BROWN

asked the Vice President of the Council, Whether, considering the serious consequences to both teachers and schools where the teacher is found guilty by the inspector of certain offences, and that they are put in the black list without power of appeal, he would take into consideration the constitution of some Court of appeal; and, if there is any intention to throw the inspectorate open to Public Elementary School Teachers, many of whom would be well qualified for the position?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

Sir, the present practice is not for the Inspector to convict, but to send in his report to the Education Department, where the case would be personally investigated by one of the heads of the Department, and the teacher convicted only when, in the opinion of this official, the evidence is conclusive. Teachers are not at present debarred from becoming Inspectors, the Lord President being ready to consider the claims of all persons who, in his opinion, have the qualifications necessary for the proper performance of those duties.