HC Deb 11 May 1933 vol 277 c1686
20. Mr. D. GRENFELL

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will issue a circular to local authorities to the effect that teachers in State-aided schools who desire, on conscientious grounds, to refrain from participating it the forthcoming celebration of Empire Day, shall be allowed to do so without exposing themselves to subsequent victimisation?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. GRENFELL

Will the hon. Gentleman recognise the difficulty in which these teachers are put in having to assist on this occasion, not in encouraging patriotism, but in vulgar militaristic displays?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The matter can safely be left to the discretion of the local authorities.

Mr. GRENFELL

School teachers of exemplary character and behaviour in every way are sometimes threatened with dismissal, because they do not want to identify themselves with this occasion.