HC Deb 11 June 1931 vol 253 c1189
42. Mr. MORLEY

asked the President of the Board of Education if he proposes to institute an inquiry into the reasons for the increased number of breakdowns amongst teachers, particularly young teachers, in recent years?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Lees-Smith)

I have not found any evidence that there has been an increase in the number of breakdowns among teachers in recent years, but I shall be pleased to consider any information on the subject which my hon. Friend can give me.

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out whether there is any more increase among women than among men?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

That has been inquired into, and there is not.

Mr. MORLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that figures furnished to me by his predecessor show that nearly 2,000 teachers have been granted breakdown allowances during the past three years, and is he also aware that there have been in addition many temporary breakdowns? Should not that be a cause for inquiry?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

My hon. Friend asks me whether there has been an increase. There has been no increase.