HC Deb 26 March 1935 vol 299 cc1732-3
25. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by English-born Indians who endeavour to secure appointment as teachers in the country of their birth; and whether he will circularise education authorities advising that merit alone should count when appointments are being made?

Sir WALTER WOMERSLEY (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. The appointment of teachers is a matter which is in the hands of local education authorities, or other bodies responsible for the management of the schools, and my Noble Friend is not aware that any considerations other than the general suitability of the applicants are taken into consideration in making an appointment. He therefore does not consider it necessary to circularise authorities.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Will the hon. Gentleman inform the Parliamentary Secretary that information can be brought to his notice where English-born Indians, who passed through Oxford and acquired the necessary qualifications, have applied to 98 education authorities and have found it impossible to get an appointment? Will he also inform the Parliamentary Secretary that in all the 10 Provinces of India there are European directors of education and no English-born Indians in those posts?

Sir W. WOMERSLEY

I will refer my hon. Friend to the report of that speech in the OFFICIAL REPORT.