§ MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the recent dismissal by the school managers of the mistress of the national school of Purley, without any charge against either her character or her capacity, and in view of the fact that the education committee of the Berkshire County Council disclaim having any right to interfere, he will take steps to provide by future legislation that a school teacher shall have an appeal to a higher authority against dismissal by the school managers.
§ MR. RUNCIMANI do not understand that in the case referred to the local education authority disclaimed having any right to interfere, but that they considered it advisable, in the circumstances, not to exercise the right which they undoubtedly possess. While, as I have previously stated, I regret the decision at which they arrived, I am of opinion that the right of appeal to the local education authority which the existing law affords is, as a rule, a sufficient safeguard against capricious action on the part of school managers.
§ MR. MACKARNESSThen, Sir, is it the fact that under the existing law a school teacher has an appeal from the school managers to the county council?
§ MR. RUNCIMANYes, Sir, that is the position as we understand it.