HC Deb 28 February 1952 vol 496 cc1450-1
37. Sir Jocelyn Lucas

asked the Minister of Education to offer, or secure, suitable employment for British teachers summarily dismissed by the Egyptian Government through no fault of their own and, in particular, in the case of which she has been informed.

41. Mr. Lawrence Turner

asked the Minister of Education if she will consider making a resettlement grant to former officials of the Egyptian Ministry of Education, who have recently been forced to return home; and whether she will give them some priority for re-engagement by her Department.

Miss Horsbrugh

I am anxious to give any help that I can to any of these teachers or officials who wish to secure employment in this country, but the only educational appointments for which I am directly responsible are to H.M. Inspectorate and there are likely to be very few vacancies in that service for some time to come. The appointment of teachers rests with local education authorities and the governing bodies of schools. They are considering most sympathetically any applications they receive from teachers returning from Egypt and they will, I am sure, continue to do so. I have no power to make resettlement grants.

Sir J. Lucas

Will my right hon. Friend circulate a list of these people to all local authorities, as some at least are suffering financial deprivation? Will she also say whether anything has been done about it?

Miss Horsbrugh

The Appointments Board of the National Union of Teachers and the Association of Education Committees are. I think, already in touch. I think it is already known—though, certainly, I will always pass on information that comes to me—that they should apply to us, or, if they want a particular area, they should apply to the local authority of that area.

Sir J. Lucas

May I have an answer to the second part of my question?

Miss Horsbrugh

As far as I know, they have not decided to send me a complete list, but, if they do, I shall be perfectly willing to do it.