§ 55. Dr. Kingasked the Minister of Education if he is yet able to report on his consultations with other Ministers on steps to be taken to improve the educational opportunities for children of Service men and civilians serving this country abroad.
57. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Education when he expects to announce improved educational arrangements for the children of officers and men serving in the Armed Forces.
§ Sir D. EcclesSo far as concerns the provision of boarding education in this country for children whose parents are serving abroad, I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence gave on 29th June. All other aspects of the education of the children of Service men stationed outside the United Kingdom are the concern of my right hon. Friends the Service Ministers.
§ Dr. KingIn the last Parliament the Minister said that he was going to investigate this matter with the other Ministers concerned. Is he aware that the almost universal opinon, held by hon. Members on both sides of the House, is that no man's children should suffer because he is serving his country abroad? Will not he complete the inquiries which he promised to make in the last Parliament and bring forward schemes to improve the educational opportunities for the children of civilians and military men serving this country overseas?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am very anxious to do so, but the hon. Member will realise that this question depends upon more than one Minister.
§ Mr. TilneyWill my right hon. Friend also consider the children of those men serving in Her Majesty's overseas services?
§ Sir D. EcclesOne of the difficulties is how far we should go in this matter.
§ Mr. EdeHave the conversations between the right hon. Gentleman and the Service Ministers ceased? A week ago, when they were asked, they said that they were still talking to the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Sir D. EcclesNo, they have not, but other Departments besides the Service Departments are concerned.