HC Deb 05 June 1918 vol 106 cc1555-6
53. Sir PHILIP MAGNUS

asked the Minister of National Service whether his announcement, as reported in a circular of the Board of Education of 9th May, 1918, as regards cases where the withdrawal of men from their civil work would involve the crippling of the work in particular schools is applicable to the head masters and assistant masters of efficient private schools; and, if so, whether the Board of Education are enabled, as required, to make recommendations on behalf of masters of private schools as well as of State-aided schools?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. Beck)

Due consideration is given to recommendations made by the Board of Education in exceptional cases of schoolmasters not covered by the general provisions of the current instruction regarding the recruitment of teachers. Such recommendations are not confined to State-aided schools, but include certain private schools which are recognised by the Board as efficient or have otherwise satisfied the Board as to their efficiency and educational importance. Such recommendations are, of course, confined to cases in which the Board of Education are satisfied as to the indispensability of the individual concerned.

Sir P. MAGNUS

Has the case of the head master of Ongar Grammar School been brought to the notice of the hon. Gentleman, and can he state from whom recommendations could be made in the event of the Board of Education correctly stating that they have no authority to make recommendations with regard to private schools?

Mr. BECK

I think there is some misapprehension. The Board of Education have authority to make recommendations, and we work under an agreement with the Board of Education by which teachers are not exempted under forty-three, and Grade 2 teachers are not exemped under thirty-two.

Sir P. MAGNUS

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question, whether in the case of the head master of Ongar Grammar School

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

Mr. RAWLINSON

Is the proper course for a schoolmaster to apply to the Board of Education for a recommendation?

Mr. BECK

My hon. and learned Friend will find that instructions have been issued of quite an elaborate character, and I think the whole thing is well known now.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not the case that men formerly classed in Grade 3 are now being classed in Grade I, under forty-three years of age?

Mr. BECK

I entirely deny that.