§ 35. Mr. ERNEST EVANSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether His Majesty's Government accept in principle the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on private schools in favour of State inspection of such schools, and the acquiring by the State of power to compel the closing of any such schools as may be found to be unsatisfactory; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation designed to effect such objects, and, if so, when?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)As indicated in the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for North-East Bethnal Green (Major Nathan) on the 29th March, 1933, there can be no question of proceeding in the near future with the legislation which would be required to give effect to the main recommendations of this committee. I regret, therefore, that I am not at present able to inform the hon. Member of the views of His Majesty's Government on the various recommendations of the committee.
§ Mr. EVANSIn view of the anxiety as to the Government's intentions in regard to private schools, will the hon. Gentleman press on the Government the desirability of making an early statement?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThere are more important matters for the Government to consider.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISHas the Board of Education any views on any subject?