HC Deb 27 October 1949 vol 468 cc1488-9
3. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Education what steps he has taken to ensure that educational institutions in receipt of grants from his Department do not make particular political opinions either a qualification or disqualification for appointments to their staffs.

Mr. Tomlinson

So far as I am aware the general principle stated by the hon. Member is well understood, and I have seen no occasion for any action on my part to enforce it. If, however, the hon. Member has any special case in mind and will let me have particulars, I will investigate it.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of that very helpful answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, when he read his "New Statesman and Nation" on 24th September, he noticed an advertisement advertising an appointment at a college of London University which was described as being a post for a woman of Labour sympathies? In view of that will he investigate it?

Mr. Tomlinson

I do not often read the journal referred to, but I will have a look at it.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that it is not very long ago since a Socialist could not get a position in a school as a teacher, and that the promotion of the teacher who taught me was deferred for 10 years because he was a Socialist?

Mr. Tomlinson

That is an additional reason for doing as the hon. Gentleman suggests.

Mr. Mitchison

Does the Minister make grants to Ashbridge?

Mr. Peter Thorneycroft

The answer is "No."