HC Deb 11 December 1947 vol 445 c1172
25. Mr. Ralph Morley

asked the Minister of Education when he proposes to put into operation the provisions of Part III of the Education Act, 1944, dealing with the registration and inspection of independent schools.

Mr. Tomlinson

I am not yet in a position to give a date.

Mr. Morley

Can my right hon. Friend state the reason for the long delay in putting this Part of the Act into operation? Can there be any material circumstances to assemble?

Mr. Tomlinson

It is a new project, and it means a considerable increase in the number of inspectors and clerks.

Mrs. Leah Manning

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is 16 years since suggestions were first made for the looking after of these independent schools, and that the number of inspectors has increased considerably since then?

Mr. Tomlinson

The fact remains that it is not 16 years since I took charge. There is just not the manpower available.

Mrs. Manning

The same old excuses for the delay.