HC Deb 02 May 1940 vol 360 cc883-4
39. Mr. Ede

asked the President of the Board of Education what educational qualifications as teachers are possessed by Mrs. Edith Sills and Miss Ruth Sills, who were fined £15 and £5, respectively, at Hailsham, on 24th April, 1940, for cruelty to a four-year-old pupil attending their private school at Wannock Avenue, Willingdon, Sussex; had they declared their school open to inspection, and, if so, by whom; had it been inspected, if so, when, and by whom; and what steps does he propose to take to prevent these persons, in their present building or elsewhere, from running a school?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)

I have no information as to the educational qualifications, if any, possessed by these persons. The school has not been declared open to inspection under Section 147 of the Education Act, 1921, either by the Board of Education or the local education authority. The circumstances disclosed in the Question are deplorable but, as the hon. Member is aware, the Board have no power to forbid the opening, or to order the closure, of private schools.

Mr. Ede

Will the Board, in view of this and similar cases which continually occur, give active consideration to bringing into effect the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Private Schools?

Mr. Lindsay

I am aware of the recommendations of the Committee over which the hon. Member presided, and I look forward to the day when there is sufficient Parliamentary time and a common agreement to put them into full operation.

Mr. Ede

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the report was an agreed report and that eight years have elapsed since it was signed? Could he make inquiries through the usual channels to see whether an agreed Measure could not be passed through, in view of the growth of these schools since evacuation?

Mr. Lindsay

I will take note of the hon. Gentleman's request.

Mr. Lipson

Does not my hon. Friend think it would be useful if he made representations to the local authorities that they should make inquiries into these schools? Would not that draw attention to the fact that the Board regards this as a serious matter?

Mr. Lindsay

To do anything effective requires legislation.