HC Deb 30 November 1950 vol 481 c1287
2. Mr. Ralph Morley

asked the Minister of Education when he intends to put into operation Part III of the Education Act, 1944.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Tomlinson)

It is my intention that Part III of the Education Act, 1944, should be brought into operation as soon as I can be sure that it can be effectively implemented. This will not be possible until the country's building position and the supply of teachers, particularly of women teachers, have improved to a sufficient extent to enable schools to remedy, within the period of time which would have to be specified under Section 71 (1) of the Act, whatever shortcomings in premises and staffing might be found.

Mr. Morley

Can my right hon. Friend say what action it is now competent for a local authority to take if His Majesty's Inspector's report on a particular independent school states that it is housed in totally unsuitable premises, and staffed by unqualified teachers?

Mr. Tomlinson

The local authority can prosecute the parents for not providing education for the children suitable to their age and ability, as laid down in the Act.