63. Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Education whether the Government propose to introduce legislation to prevent the use of publicly maintained schools for the teaching of Communism; and if any instructions on the subject have been issued by his Department to local education authorities who are in receipt of grants from the Exchequer for the upkeep of the school buildings in which these pernicious and revolutionary doctrines are being taught?
§ Mr. FISHERI have no reason to suppose that the premises of any schools in receipt of grants from the Board are used for the teaching of pernicious and revolutionary doctrines. Of course, if the hon. and gallant Member has any evidence to the contrary, I will give it my careful consideration.
Sir F. HALLAm I to understand that neither the right hon. Gentleman nor his Department are aware of the socialistic teaching that is going on in these so-called Sunday schools?
§ Mr. FISHERWe have no official information as to the teaching which may go on in places other than publicly maintained schools.
§ Mr. FISHERI have only the knowledge that is available to hon. Members of the House.
§ Sir F. BANBURYIn view of the importance of the subject, will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain—never mind whether officially or unofficially—whether or not this goes on?
§ Mr. FISHERI think it is quite obvious that there are socialist Sunday schools in which teaching of this kind does go on.
§ Sir C. YATEWill you stop them?