HC Deb 25 May 1950 vol 475 c2208
2. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education what representations he has made to local education authorities which insist on a knowledge of Welsh being compulsory for entrance to a secondary grammar school; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Tomlinson

I have made no representations on this matter to Welsh authorities, of whom five, I understand, require some questions in the Welsh language to be attempted, but I am keeping their arrangements for conducting this important examination under observation. It seems to me that this is a matter which the Welsh authorities themselves might well consider through the Welsh Joint Education Committee.

Mr. Thomas

Will the Minister bear in mind that, where the child comes from a home where the mother is English speaking, it is a great injustice to deprive the child of secondary grammar education because it is not fluent in the Welsh tongue?

Mr. Emrys Roberts

Will the Minister also bear in mind that this matter should be left for the Welsh education authorities themselves to decide?

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that any matter of injustice is a matter for this House?