§ 58. Mr. M. JONESasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that teachers are being dismissed in various parts of the country, through no fault of their own, on the ground of economy; and whether, in such cases of compulsory unemployment, he proposes to make any provision for such teachers?
§ Mr. FISHERI am aware that in some areas reductions of staff are being made, but I have no power to compensate teachers for unemployment.
§ Mr. JONESDoes the right hon. Gentleman not recognise that these teachers have made a good deal of sacrifice in order to fit themselves for this profession, and does he not think that their case demands special consideration?
§ Mr. FISHERIt must not be assumed that because the services of a teacher are dispensed with in a particular area the teacher will not be able to find employment in other areas. I am certain that local authorities who find it necessary to 944 dismiss teachers will be fully alive to the desirability of exercising discrimination in the matter in order to avoid, as far as they can, the infliction of any real hardship.