HC Deb 09 November 1939 vol 353 cc407-8
55. Mr. Hannah

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the handicap experienced by young university graduates seeking appointments in teaching from the unwillingness of headmasters to employ men who may be conscripted; and will he take steps to give them some relief?

Mr. Lindsay

My attention has not been specially called to the matter. While I should hope that local education authorities and governing bodies would be pre- pared to entertain applicationsfrom young graduates who would be in a position to remain in their teaching posts for a reasonable period, my hon. Friend will realise that they might well find it difficult to appoint persons who are within a few months of being called up. I am not sure what form of relief my hon. Friend has in mind, but if some form of financial assistance is contemplated, there are no funds at the disposal of the Board from which such relief could be given.

Mr. Hannah

Is it not a fact that in some cases it is not a matter of two months, but of two years that is in question?

Mr. Lindsay

I should like to know of any such cases.