HC Deb 11 May 1931 vol 252 cc811-2
51. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to make proprietary private schools subject to inspection by the Board of Education and the Ministry of Health?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Morgan Jones)

My right hon. Friend, who has been asked to reply, regards this as a matter for consideration when a report has been received from the departmental committee which was appointed by his predecessor last December to consider the position of all schools not in receipt of grant from public funds.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Will the Parliamentary Secretary ascertain the opinion of the London County Council on this matter, and is he aware that a school has been started in this country not only as a Soviet centre—

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Ede.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I explain that I put a question about a particular school, and I understand that there is no Government Department at present responsible for the inspection of such a school; therefore, I asked the Prime Minister whether legislation can be introduced in order that such a school can be inspected. That is the only way in which I can ask such a question, and may I put that question to the Prime Minister?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not raise any objection to the question, but to the supplementary question. The supplementary question does not arise out of the question on the Paper. Supplementary questions must have some bearing on the question on the Paper.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

If I had been able to put my full supplementary question, I think I could have shown that it arises directly out of the question of a particular school, of a scandalous nature, which is subject to no inspection at all.

Mr. SPEAKER

The adjective the hon. Member is now using is not allowed either in questions or in supplementary questions.