HC Deb 26 October 1944 vol 404 cc334-5
25. Mr. W. H. Green

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the difficulty in securing the necessary number of teachers in connection with the evacuation of schoolchildren from London; that these difficulties are primarily due to the anxiety felt by teachers as to the availability of their houses on their return and to the inadequacy of the present evacuation allowances to meet the financial liabilities involved; and what steps he proposes to take in consultation with the Minister of Health to deal with this serious position.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Butler)

I am aware of the difficulty that is being experienced in securing L.C.C. teachers to volunteer to go to reception areas. In so far as this may be due to the first cause suggested by the hon. Member, teachers will be reassured by the recent public assurance that no furnished house will be requisitioned without prior consultation with the householder. The scale of evacuation allowances for teachers corresponds generally with those applicable to other comparable classes, and it would not be practicable to give specially favourable terms to teachers. I am, however, examining with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health the possibility of giving some further assistance to meet individual cases of special financial hardship arising out of the recent evacuation from the flying bomb areas.

Mr. Green

Is the Minister aware that the conditions obtaining in regard to civil servants and other classes are not comparable with those obtaining in regard to teachers; that teachers, in the main, are evacuated in parties, that the billets are arranged for them in parties, and that, consequently prices are kept down; and can he say whether the L.C.C., the premier authority with regard to these teachers, is in favour of the parsimonious treatment handed out to them?

Mr. Butler

I cannot accept the latter part of my hon. Friend's observations. There are a great many teachers in other parts undertaking these duties willingly and on the terms offered, and I must hold some balance between teachers themselves. In regard to cases of special hardship, my hon. Friend will see from my answer that I am giving them sympathetic consideration.