HC Deb 02 July 1928 vol 219 cc976-7
48. Mr. HARRIS

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Home and Colonial Training College, Wood Green, is to be closed down at quite short notice; whether he can explain the reason for this action; whether he is aware that many of the staff who have put in long service at the institution will find it most difficult to get equally good positions; and if he proposes to take any steps to protect their interests?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)

The trustees of this college have decided to close the college at the end of the current term on account of the unsatisfactory condition of the premises. As regards the last two parts of the question, the appointment and dismissal of the members of the staff of a training college rest with the college authorities, and I am afraid that I cannot undertake to intervene.

Mr. HARRIS

Will the Noble Lord not call the attention of the various college authorities to the position of these men and women and their good records, so that they will not be thrown out on the labour market as unemployed?

Lord E. PERCY

It would not do very much good to draw attention to the obvious fact that if a college is closed the people concerned will no longer be able to serve in that college.