§ 7. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Education whether she is aware of the severe restrictions imposed on teachers in training at Bangor Normal College; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Miss HorsbrughI am aware of recent criticism of the students' regulations at Bangor Normal College and I am glad to know that these are being considered by the college authorities.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Minister aware that if she is able to improve conditions at this college she will receive the support of public opinion throughout Wales? Is she further aware that the college authorities are now trying to treat her representations with the same highhanded indifference as they would if her name were Sheila Davies?
§ Miss HorsbrughI think that the college authorities and the hon. Member know that that is not my name.
§ 24. Mr. Mulleyasked the Minister of Education what reply she has received from the governors of the Normal Training College, Bangor, following her decision that Miss Sheila Davies was expelled on unreasonable grounds; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss HorsbrughI have not yet received any communication from the governors of the college.
§ Mr. MulleyIs it not very unsatisfactory that the secretary to the governors should issue to the Press a statement confirming the action of the principal and the governors after the right hon. Lady has told them, exercising her rights under the Act, that the girl was expelled on unreasonable grounds? Is it not most unsatisfactory that the girl has never had any charge put to her as to the conduct which is alleged to be unsatisfactory? Will the right hon. Lady ensure that the governors of the college do not get away with this kind of thing?
§ Miss HorsbrughAs the hon. Member knows, I came to a decision, and my decision was communicated to the governors. I have not yet received any reply from them and, therefore, at the moment it would be unwise for me to make any further statement.
§ Mr. JannerWill the right hon. Lady bring to the notice of the governors of the college that some 30 or 40 years ago one of the university colleges in Wales dispensed with many of the ridiculous restrictions which they are trying to impose on the students? Will she ask them to take note of what the students' representative council says in future and not penalise the president merely because she is conveying what the representative council wishes?
§ Miss HorsbrughYes, Sir, but the hon. Gentleman is there dealing with a different matter from that contained in the Question. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that it is a separate question. I have already dealt with the matter raised by the hon. Member for Sheffield, Park (Mr. Mulley), and the other matter is a separate issue.
§ Mr. EdeWill the right hon. Lady assure the principal of the college that it is her duty, and that she intends to fulfil it, to ensure that intending teachers have a reasonably free existence in their training colleges?
§ Miss HorsbrughI think that is now quite clear to the governors of the college. I am waiting to hear from them, and I should not like to make any statement in the House until I have had their reply to the action which I was bound to take.