HC Deb 06 December 1945 vol 416 cc2513-4
42. Mr. Yates

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware that, despite the circulars of her Ministry of 8th December, 1941, and 9th November, 1944, there is still a burden of non-teaching work pressing upon teachers and hampering their real educational work; and if she will re quire educational authorities to appoint persons to undertake such work and remove this hindrance to the progress of education.

The Minister of Education (Miss Ellen Wilkinson)

Yes, Sir. I am aware that teachers still carry a burden of non-teaching work and I am very sorry about it. Education authorities are, of course, in a difficult position owing to the present manpower shortage. Since the issue of the circulars mentioned by my hon. Friend, two other circulars have been issued—in January and March of this year—with special reference to the need for relieving teachers of work, other than that contemplated in Section 49 of the Act, in connection with school meals and milk. Regulations have been made requiring local education authorities to employ a suitable and adequate staff other than teachers for this purpose. It is moreover the practice to take up with individual authorities any cases revealed by inspection or otherwise in which insufficient action appears to have been taken to afford relief to teachers. Any authority which may have overlooked the Ministry's repeated exhortations will, I hope, be reminded of the importance of the matter by this Question and answer, which I propose to circulate.

Mr. Yates

While I much appreciate the reply of my right hon. Friend, may I ask if she realises that there is a widespread opinion in the educational world that the amount of time which is at present being spent on the provision of milk and meals for schoolchildren is really having a detrimental effect on their education?

Miss Wilkinson

I think the proper answer to that is, "You're telling me."

Mrs. Manning

Has the Minister taken any steps to recruit younger members of the Forces suitable for these important and ancillary services in the schools?

Miss Wilkinson

We are doing as well as we can, but the hon. Lady will under stand that, in all these things, we have to take it up with the Minister of Labour, who is working on very well understood priorities. We are doing our best, and that is really all we can do.