HC Deb 13 December 1945 vol 417 c605
43. Mr. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Education how many of the Belgian teachers selected to teach in English schools have arrived and started work.

Miss Wilkinson

Only one such teacher is at present at work under this scheme. Vacancies have been offered to a number of other Belgian teachers, but these posts have not been taken up.

Mr. Lindsay

Could my right hon. Friend explain why, since these negotiations were started last February, and this is the one country in Europe which can afford to give us facilities, this practical arrangement has not produced more than one?

Miss Wilkinson

I am sorry, but as far as we are concerned we have done everything we undertook to do and we have offered more posts to Belgian teachers than they have been able to take up. We cannot do more, unless they themselves can do more.

Mrs. Leah Manning

Will the right hon. Lady consult with the Home Secretary about some of the Belgian teachers who might be demobilised in this country and would like to teach in this country? I have information about one such teacher, and 1 know of others.

Miss Wilkinson

That is his affair, not mine.