§ 20. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked 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. RAMSBOTHAMThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWill 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. RAMSBOTHAMThe matter can safely be left to the discretion of the local authorities.
§ Mr. GRENFELLSchool 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.