§ 34. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that education authorities are in many instances contemplating the dismissal of married women teachers; that non-provided schools are expected to follow suit; that closing the doors to married women teachers will result in encouraging other employers of women labour to dismiss their married employés; and that, if this course is persisted in and universally adopted, it will result in dismissing possibly some of the best teachers; and whether, in view of the growing resentment that is developing amongst teachers on this account, he will take steps to advise local authorities to refrain from adopting this course?
§ Major BARNSTON (Comptroller of the Household)The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, I can express 1970 no opinion. The principal reason for the action on the part of certain local authorities in terminating the employment of married women teachers is a reluctance to employ such teachers at a time when other teachers who are dependent on their profession for a livelihood are unable to find employment. I have no authority to prevent local education authorities from exercising their discretion in the matter, but I believe they will exercise it with discrimination and humanity.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODShould it not be a question of getting the best teachers?
§ Major PAGETIs it not the fact that these dismissals have been made in order to provide employment for ex-service men? [HON. MEMBERS: "NO, no!"]