HC Deb 29 March 1911 vol 23 cc1325-7
Mr. GOLDSTONE

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the desirability of reverting to a former practice of the Board under which the same publicity was given to the instructions to His Majesty's inspectors as to the various codes of regulations?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I must remind the hon. Member that the Blue Book entitled "Revised Instructions," to which I understand him to refer, consisted chiefly of explanations of the Code. The educational part of the publication is now embodied in the "Suggestions to Teachers," which are revised periodically. I have looked into the matter, and I do not think it would be desirable to revert to the former system, which does not appear to me to be adapted to existing circumstances.

Mr. GOLDSTONE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware how disturbed the state of feeling is among the teachers of the country, and would he consider that it is suggestions to inspectors we want to know of more than suggestions to teachers?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I do not know that there is any very disturbed feeling among the teachers. If my hon. Friend has any complaints to make I shall be glad if he brings them to my notice.

Mr. MONTAGUE BARLOW

asked whether, in the circular lately issued by Mr. Holmes on behalf of the Board to local education authorities, it was stated that of fifteen inspectors in Manchester and Sal-ford fourteen were of the ex-elementary teacher class, and that with regard to these the existence of these inspectors stereotypes routine, perpetuates cast-iron methods, and forms an effectual bar to development and progress; and, if so, whether, as the circular is now stated not to represent the policy of the Board he will cause an adequate expression of regret for the statement above quoted to be sent to the inspectors in question and to the local education authorities of Manchester and Salford, and in the same official way as the original circular was sent out?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The memorandum to which I understand the hon. Member to refer was not issued to local education authorities, as stated in the question. The hon. Member's quotation refers to an opinion expressed, as I find, nearly three years ago by an inspector who has since retired. I am not aware that the opinion of the inspector in question has in any way adversely affected the local inspectors to whom he referred. The expression of opinion was made in confidence, and never intended to be used to the prejudice of those to whom it referred. Moreover, I have recalled the copies of the memorandum which were sent to the Board's officers. For myself I have nothing to add to what I have already stated publicly in this House.

Mr. BARLOW

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the unfortunate words of the circular shall not, in any way, affect the prospects or promotion of the inspectors?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

They are the servants of the local authorities. I am afraid I cannot interfere between the local authorities and their own inspectors.

Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the report published in the Press that Sir Robert Morant was responsible for this circular?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have seen a great many reports and a good many of them inaccurate. I have given a full account of the proceedings in this House, and I have nothing to add to that account.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any mention hitherto as to whether Sir Robert Morant had any thing to do with sanctioning this circular?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I made a full statement on the subject two days ago.

Mr. W. THORNE

Was Sir Robert Morant responsible for having sent it out?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave two days ago. It was a long and a full reply, and I also circulated it with the Votes.