§ 39 Mr. Jenningsasked the Minister of Education whether she will now institute a public inquiry into the decision of the City of Sheffield Education Committee to alter the status of King Edward VII School, Sheffield, in view of the petition submitted to her signed by over 10,000 Sheffield residents, in order to avoid any suggestion that party politics influenced the Education Committee's decision.
§ Mr. HardmanNo, Sir. The school became a county secondary school on the 1st April last in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 (2) of the Education Act, 1944, and the hon. Member is under a misapprehension in suggesting that the decision of the Sheffield Education Committee involved any change in the status of the school.
§ Mr. JenningsIf that is the case and everything is clear, why will the Department not appoint a committee to see that everything is above board and there is no suggestion of political pressure?
§ Mr. StokesIf my hon. Friend's reply correctly represents the policy of the Department, may I ask him whether he will apply the principle to the infants' schools? Has the decision been reversed?
§ Major Peter RobertsMay I ask the hon. Member to give assurance to the House that this matter will be dealt with justly?
§ Mr. HardmanI think I can give the assurance of justice.