66. Mrs. Adamsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Maidstone Education Committee recently passed a resolution declaring that it is undesirable for any teacher or official of the committee to speak at a public political meeting; whether this resolution was based upon any recommendation from the Department; and whether he will take steps to prevent such encroachment upon the civil liberties of teachers?
Mr. LindsayI have seen Press reports of the resolution referred to by the hon. Member, which was not the result of any recommendation issued by the Board. It is laid down in the Code of Regulations for Public Elementary Schools that the agreement or minute under which a teacher is employed must provide that he shall not be required to abstain, outside the school hours, from any occupations which do not interfere with the due performance of his duties.
Mrs. AdamsonIs the hon. Member aware that the teaching profession regards this as an encroachment on the civil liberties of its members?
Mr. LindsayI have seen references to it, but I think my answer is quite clear. I have quoted the Code, and it is quite explicit.