HC Deb 12 November 1936 vol 317 cc1040-1
55. Mr. RICHARDS

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the board has finally decided to withhold the payment of its proportion of the salary of Mr. D. J. Williams, of Fishguard, one of the men implicated in the recent burning of the bombing school near Pwllheli; and by what authority was such action taken, especially in view of the fact that a prosecution was pending, and that no decision has as yet been given by the courts?

Mr. STANLEY

Mr. Williams has been suspended by the local education authority pending the result of the trial and the board have informed the authority that they cannot undertake to pay grant on his salary during this suspension. In accordance with the board's usual practice, I will await the outcome of the trial before coming to a final decision in the matter.

Mr. GARRO JONES

Was the suspension of this man's salary decided on prior to his conviction?

Mr. STANLEY

The local authorities suspended him from duty owing to the fact that while the trial was pending it was obviously impossible for him to carry on. I informed them that I was not prepared to recognise a grant of salary to a man suspended from duty pending the outcome of the trial.

Mr. J. GRIFFITHS

Is it not a fact that the man has not been convicted and that the jury did not agree?

Mr. STANLEY

I do not think the hon. Member can have listened to anything that I was saying. I will read the last paragraph of the answer: In accordance with the board's usual practice, I will await the outcome of the trial before coming to a final decision in the matter.