§ 4. Mr. D. Griffithsasked the Minister of Education if he will authorise an inquiry to be held in consequence of the 1367 resignation of Miss Moller, the late Principal at Lady Mabel College, Wentworth Woodhouse.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, Sir. I do not think that such an inquiry would be appropriate.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs not the Minister aware of the indignation, not only in the Rather Valley but throughout the length and breadth of the country? Is he not further aware that this woman, from the commencement of this college, has carried out her duties unfailingly and unswervingly? I submit that the Minister ought to look at the matter again.
§ Sir D. EcclesI know that Miss Moller is a woman of great qualities, but she did resign. I really cannot interfere with the arrangements between her employers and herself.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs not the Minister prepared to look into the reasons for the resignation?
§ Sir D. EcclesI did so, and I think there is no cause for an inquiry.
§ Mr. M. StewartWill the right hon. Gentleman look at this matter again? Does he realise that throughout the country people who have had their daughters at this college have been much concerned about what has happened? If he looks into the question more closely, I think that the right hon. Gentleman will find that there is a general principle in the relations between the staff and the governing body of the college which does merit his attention as Minister. Will he look at the matter again?
§ Sir D. EcclesThe point is that Miss Moller did herself resign—
§ Mr. ChetwyndSo did the right hon. Member for Moss Side (Dame Florence Horsbrugh).
§ Sir D. EcclesI am anxious that the college itself should not suffer, and a new principal has already been appointed.
§ Mr. FortIs my right hon. Friend aware that many people throughout the length and breadth of this country are singularly uninterested in this subject?
§ Mr. GriffithsIn view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.