HC Deb 27 October 1949 vol 468 c1487
1. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Minister of Education if he is satisfied that the education authorities are taking all practicable steps to ensure the attendance of gipsy children at schools.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Tomlinson)

I have no reason to doubt that local education authorities are doing all within their power to deal with this sometimes difficult problem.

Mr. Williams

Is the Minister aware that the great majority of these gipsy children cannot sign their names on identity cards or any other Government documents, and that very many of them are avoiding all forms of education completely?

Mr. Tomlinson

To the extent that it is possible we catch them and bring them into school.