§ Mr. LANE-FOXasked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board agreed in November last to recognise as pupil teachers two Roman Catholic girls, named Monica Hurley (of Clifford) and 206 Agnes Cash (of Halifax, in the West Riding of Yorkshire); whether he is aware that both girls are still working without salary, and whether he will take steps to secure the payment of these salaries?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANOwing to circumstances for which neither the two girls in question nor their parents were responsible the Board of Education have hitherto been under the necessity of withholding their formal recognition as pupil teachers. I understand that they have nevertheless been fulfilling the requirements, both as regards service and education, laid down in the Board's regulations affecting pupil teachers, but that owing to their failure to obtain formal recognition as such from the Board their salaries have not been paid by the Local Education Authority. I am making arrangements which will enable the Board to accord the necessary recognition, and I am informed by the Local Education Authority that they will pay the salaries retrospectively in each case.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXCan the right hon. Gentleman give me some idea of when that formal recognition will be available?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI do not think it need be delayed beyond a few days. The necessary arrangements have still to be completed with the local education authority. I have made all arrangements that are necessary, and the girls will certainly not suffer in their service.