HC Deb 21 May 1942 vol 380 cc347-8
18. Mr. Mander

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the advisability of including representatives of headmasters and headmistresses on the committee appointed to inquire into the recruitment and training of teachers and youth leaders?

Mr. Butler

I considered, when appointing the committee, the question of making it representative of all the interests concerned, and I decided that it would be better to have a small committee which would receive evidence from, and freely consult, headmasters, headmistresses and others who are engaged directly or indirectly in the training of teachers.

Mr. Mander

In view of the great importance of including teachers of this grade, who have a strong desire to be represented, will the right hon. Gentleman not give this matter close consideration?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir, because I deliberately took the step of not appointing the committee upon a representative basis It is a committee composed of people exceptionally well qualified for the task, and I can assure my hon. Friend that they will pay attention to any representations made to them by any headmasters or head mistresses.