§ 6. Mr. Farthingasked the Minister of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that at the Highbridge, Burnham-on-Sea, Church of England school, Somerset, the examination papers of nine candidates for higher school scholarships were tampered with; and what action is being taken to prevent such possibilities in the future.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have been informed of the steps taken by the local education authority in this matter, which is one for them to deal with in the first instance. I do not think there is any likelihood of recurrence.
§ Mr. FarthingIs the Minister aware that the whole of the people in Somerset interested in education are very disappointed at what is happening in this direction; and in view of the dissatisfaction over the inquiry and the report into the circumstances, will he make some further inquiry with a view to getting general satisfaction?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI will make further inquiries.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to a statement in the. "Burnham-on-Sea Gazette" and, I believe, in some other papers circulating in Somerset, to the effect that the culprit is unlikely ever to be traced; and does he not feel that in view of the extremely grave consequences in connection with these examinations further steps should be taken to find out who is the person responsible, if necessary, with the aid of the police?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have taken steps, and I have already promised to carry the inquiries further.