73. Captain ARTHUR EVANSasked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that, in spite of the provisions of Section 29 (2) (c) of the Education Act, 1921, the Rhondda local education authority have passed a Resolution that no person should be employed who was not or did not become a member of the National Union of Teachers; if he is aware that this ban applies to the National Union of Women Teachers; and whether he will take any steps to deal 'with this matter?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)I am aware of the Resolution referred to, which is, of course, contrary to the accepted principle that a teacher is free to join any lawful association so long as such membership does not interfere with the proper discharge of his duties and is equally free to abstain from joining any association, if he so desires. Such action by a local authority tends to lower the dignity of the teaching profession and to degrade its standards. The particular provisions of the Education Act referred to in the question only apply, however, to non-provided schools, of which there is only one in the area of the authority.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEDoes this Resolution not interfere with appointments to headships?
§ Lord E. PERCYI should want notice of that question. I am not sure of the exact terms of the Resolution.