HC Deb 22 May 1922 vol 154 cc793-4
54. Mr. G. MURRAY

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the conduct of a county school teacher, Mr. H. Moore, of the Isleworth County School; whether he is aware that Mr. Moore walks out of the room when the National Anthem is played; that he will not permit the boys to use capital letters for King, Empire, etc., and asks them whether they are Socialists; and whether, in view of the fact that this school is maintained by the local rates paid by all classes of the community, and that such conduct is repellant to many of the ratepayers supporting this school and to the parents of the children attending the school, he will take steps to bring the matter to the attention of the Middlesex education authority with a view to preventing in future such conduct on the part of the teacher or replacing him?

Mr. FISHER

I have no information on the matter, but I will send a copy of the hon. Member's question to the local education authority.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

On a point of Order. Is it in order for an hon. Member of this House to lay an accusation of this kind against a person who has no opportunity whatsoever of defending himself? And are you aware, Sir, that this is the second occasion on which a similar accusation has been made against a member of the teaching profession, and do you know that in this case—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]

Mr. SPEAKER

I assume, with regard to this question that when the hon. Member put it on the Paper, he satisfied himself as to the facts. If he did not do so, it would be reprehensible.

Mr. G. MURRAY

May I say, Sir, that I had certain evidence. Otherwise I would not have put it down.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

What evidence?

Mr. SPEAKER

I must trust hon. Members, for the credit of the House, to be careful in accepting statements, unless they be satisfied as to their origin before they put them on the Paper.