HC Deb 14 March 1923 vol 161 cc1567-8
98. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is appointed a Departmental Committee to inquire into the question of training colleges; and, if so, in view of the preponderance of women in the teaching profession, whether he will give an undertaking that women shall be adequately represented on this Committee?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Edward Wood)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I will certainly bear in mind the suggestion made in the last part of the question.

Mr. LUNN

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give a more definite answer to the first part of the question?

Mr. WOOD

I have stated that the answer to that is in the affirmative.

Mr. LUNN

We got the same answer weeks ago. Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to appoint this Committee?

Mr. WOOD

I said a fortnight ago I was appointing such a Committee. I cannot produce a ready-made one out of my pocket every week. I have to take time to consider who would be suitable Members and to invite them to serve, and that I am doing now.