§ 43. Mr. RADFORDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will set up a committee to inquire into the prevalence and incidence of compulsory homework for scholars in secondary and other schools which receive financial assistance from the grant for education voted by Parliament?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMMy Noble Friend sees no occasion for setting up such a committee. Though there may be individual instances of excessive homework, he considers that the matter is one which can safely be left to the good sense of local education authorities, governing bodies, and teachers, and to the vigilance of His Majesty's inspectors, who are at present paying special attention to this aspect of school work.
§ Mr. RADFORDIs my hon. Friend aware that, in many schools whose names I could give him, bright, intelligent children have to work two and a-half to three hours every night to get their homework done?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMI can assure my hon. Friend that the Board's inspectors are keeping in very close touch with the matter.
§ Mr. PALINGMay we take it that, in cases where the inspector finds that excessive homework is being done, he will have power to reduce it or to suggest its reduction?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMI have no doubt he will bring the attention of teachers to that aspect of the matter.