§ 63. Mr. STANTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education if he will take steps to see that school teachers and schoolmasters who are linked up with anti-British movements shall no longer be permitted to hold appointments in our British schools; if he is aware that these anti-British and pro-German movements are endeavouring to get teachers and schoolmasters to join their organisations for future unpatriotic ends; and if he will consider the danger of allowing the mental development of British school children to be left to such persons who openly boast of their pro-German sympathies and who sneer at the British flag?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Lewis)The appointment and dismissal of teachers in public educational institutions in England and Wales rests with the local education authorities and governing bodies. I have no information which would justify me in assuming that those bodies cannot be trusted to see that teachers in their employment do not abuse their position in the manner suggested. I may add that all the information in the possession of the Board shows that the teaching profession need not fear comparison with any other profession as regards its patriotism.