HC Deb 18 July 1946 vol 425 cc1358-9
7. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware that the publication called "The Nation's Schools" is still on sale in unamended form at His Majesty's Stationery Offices, Cardiff; and when she proposes to withdraw this pamphlet.

Miss Wilkinson

As I have already stated, I have given instructions that no further copies of this pamphlet should he printed when the present stocks, which are now small, have been sold.

Mr. Thomas

May we take it that this publication will be withdrawn this week from Cardiff?

Miss Wilkinson

I have repeatedly stated that I have no intention of withdrawing it. What I have said is that this pamphlet is now out of date, that it does not represent the views of the present Government in one or two respects, and new pamphlets are in course of publication.

Mr. Thomas

Do I understand the Minister to say that, although the pamphlet does not represent her point of view, she wants it to be sold?

Miss Wilkinson

We are dealing with a pamphlet a very large proportion of which is a mere statement of fact, and one cannot withdraw statements of fact. [Laughter.] No, but one can express regret for having stated them. There are certain expressions of opinion in that pamphlet, and I have stated categorically that those expressions of opinion do not represent the views of the present Government.