§ 10. Mr. PIKEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the attempt to use the school organisation for the sale of a special soap; whether he is aware that teachers in different schools throughout England have been approached to promote the sale of such soap through the medium of their pupils, and that booklets and samples have been issued to teachers for distribution amongst pupils; and whether he will issue a circular to education authorities upon the undesirability of public servants being used for the promotion of private profit?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMI have seen a reference to the matter, to which the hon. Member refers, in the public Press, but my attention has not been otherwise called to it. The Board strongly deprecate any attempt to utilise the State-aided schools for the advertisement or sale of the goods of any particular firm. I believe that the Board's attitude is well understood by the local education authorities, and, in the circumstances, I see no reason for issuing a circular on the matter.
§ Mr. PIKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the authorities are placing the responsibility on the National Union of Teachers to cleanse the school organisation of this pernicious practice, and will he look further into the matter, in order that the responsibility may in the future be placed on the authorities, in so far as instructions in the matter are concerned?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMIf my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the case which he has in mind, I will certainly make inquiries.