MR. O'GKADY (Leeds, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether the case of Miss James, a pupil teacher studying at the Thoresby High School, Leeds, who applied for admission to the Ladies Training College, Cheltenham, and whose application was refused, has been submitted to him by the Leeds Education Authority for inquiry; whether such inquiry has been made; and, if so, with what results.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Birrell, Bristol, S.)The Answer to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. Owing to present circumstances I have not yet had time to make inquiry into the case. The matter seems to me to be of such a nature as to necessitate a most careful inquiry and not merely cursory investigation. It is for this reason that I prefer to postpone my inquiry for a short time in order that it may be done thoroughly, and with full consideration of the somewhat wide issues of principle which it will of necessity raise in regard to our whole training college system. The hon. Member may rest assured that the case will not be let slip, and that my delay, so far from implying indifference to it, is on the contrary due to my serious concern in regard to the principles involved.
§ MR. O'GRADYShall I repeat the Question in a week's time?
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Education Office at the present moment is very heavily worked. I will communicate with the hon. Member at the earliest possible opportunity.