Education Act, Part III (Operation)

HC Deb 16 October 1952 vol 505 cc375-6

31. Mr. Morley

asked the Minister of Education when she proposes to put Part III of the Education Act, 1944, into full operation.

Miss Horsbrugh

I cannot say when circumstances will make this possible.

Mr. Morley

Can the right hon. Lady say what protection a local education authority can now give to parents and children concerned when it is reported that an independent school in their area is staffed entirely by unqualified teachers housed in unsuitable premises? If no protection can be given is not that a reason for hurrying up the operation of this part of the Act?

Miss Horsbrugh

Part III of the Act cannot be brought into operation in the meantime. At present we could not enforce sound standards by legislation while it remains so hard for proprietors of independent schools to remedy shortcomings in their premises and staffing. It is open to any local education authority to prosecute parents if their children, who are attending such schools, are not receiving a full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude.