56. Mrs. Adamsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the chairman of the Maid-stone Education Committee in prohibiting the letting of schools for political meetings; and by what statutory right did the chairman exercise this power without the approval of the responsible committee of the council?
Mr. LindsayI have no knowledge of the circumstances and I would suggest that, if the chairman of the education committee is thought to have proceeded improperly, the matter should be raised before the committee itself.
Mrs. AdamsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that application has been made by 1310 a political party since the question was put upon the Order Paper, that it has been refused by this gentleman, and that no reason has been given; and is he further aware of the strong feeling of the citizens of Maidstone at the high-handed action of the chairman of the education committee, and will he intimate that he is not prepared to tolerate such suppression of political thought and that it should be discouraged?
Mr. LindsayThis is a matter entirely for the local education authority. The Board has no power to intervene.
Mrs. AdamsonMay I point out that the education committee itself has not been consulted and that this is action on the part of the chairman of that committee?
§ Mr. BossomIs my hon. Friend aware that I have been in that town every day since this question was raised, that I have met thousands of people there and that no word has been expressed in my hearing by way of contradiction or condemnation?