HC Deb 30 July 1953 vol 518 cc1531-2
42. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Education if she has read the particulars which have been sent to her regarding subversive activities in the teaching profession; and if she will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government in this matter.

Miss Horsbrugh

I received a communication from my hon. Friend yesterday, and I shall be replying to it as soon as possible. As a matter of general policy, I should take a serious view of any case where a teacher was found to be using his position to propagate his political views in school.

Sir W. Smithers

As the whole free world is straining every nerve to overcome the menace of Communism will the Minister, if she cannot tell the local education authorities what to do, take this serious matter to Cabinet level?

Miss Horsbrugh

My attention has been drawn to this matter several times by the hon. Member. Always, when I am considering it, what I want to know of, and what I should be pleased to receive from him, is a definite case of any teacher using his position in school to propagate his political views. We should take a very serious view of that.