§ 16. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in the county of Durham schools are being left without headmasters as an economic measure and whether the economy has his approval?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Sir Donald Maclean)The Board are aware that the Durham County Education Authority have in a number of recent cases deferred making permanent appointments to head-teacher-ships for longer than the normal period; but it cannot be assumed that their action has been dictated by a desire to reduce expenditure. As a result of inquiries made by His Majesty's Inspector the Board are satisfied that the authority have no intention of allowing excessive delays to occur.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIf it is not a case of economy, what is the idea of not appointing head-masters in schools as heretofore?
§ Sir D. MACLEANTemporary appointments are held by qualified teachers in certain of these cases, but appointments of head-masters are made where the appointments can be permanent. This arrangement is made out of consideration for the teachers in connection with the reorganisation schemes, but I assure my hon. Friend that no excessive delay is allowed to take place.
§ Mr. LAWSONIn the case of the death of a schoolmaster, or something of that nature, is an appointment made?
§ Sir D. MACLEANYes.
§ Mr. McKEAGHas the right hon. Gentleman any power to ensure that appointments to head-masterships and other scholastic posts in Durham are based on merit and ability rather than on membership of the Socialist party?
§ Mr. LAWSONHas the right hon. Gentleman any information that they are not appointed on grounds of ability?