§ 43. Mr. Kirbyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that on 31st October, the eve of the municipal elections, a mock election was held in the St. Bridget's Schools, Liverpool, the alleged purpose of the election being the teaching of civic pride; that the election was directed by a Conservative alderman and two Conservative councillors, both of whom are elected representatives of the ward in which the school is situated, and was attended also by the Conservative candidate for the same ward; and will he, while not forbidding such useful lessons in citizenship, inform the local education authority that he disapproves of the attendance of elected political representatives and candidates on such occasions, particularly at election times?
Mr. LindsayMy Noble Friend's attention has been drawn to the mock election to which the hon. Member refers. He understands that in this school special attention is devoted to the teaching of citizenship, and that the election was part of such instruction. It appears that the arrangements were under the full control and direction of the headmaster, although members of the city council were present and acted as returning officers. While it is not suggested that any statements of a political character were made in the school, or that any improper use was made of the occasion, my Noble Friend thinks it undesirable that persons publicly associated with any political party should be present at school activities of this sort, during the progress of elections.
§ Mr. Kirbywhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether he could suggest to the local authority that in this particular case, where they take special interest in this matter in the schools, the mock election should take place not within, say, three months of the ordinary November election?