HC Deb 03 March 1955 vol 537 c2236
39. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Education how many private schools have not yet responded to his request to supply lists of their staffs; on what dates the schools in question were first approached for the information; and what action he is taking in respect to those schools that so far have evaded supplying the information.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Dennis Vosper)

Out of 3,808 schools asked for staff lists,288 are known to have closed and all but 124 of the rest have replied. The outstanding cases, of which 103 were approached in September and 21 more recently, are being followed up.

Mr. Dodds

How can the hon. Gentleman be complacent when he knows that for nine months efforts have been made to get this information, and that on 9th December he said that the Minister is taking action to hasten outstanding replies."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 9th December, 1954; Vol. 535, c. 1107.] Can it mean other than that these schools are of a type to which young people should not go? Otherwise they would give the information asked for. Will the hon. Gentleman urgently do something to obtain this information?

Mr. Vosper

The replies received so far represent 97 per cent. of those approached. Since the hon. Member last asked this Question a month ago, 50 replies have come in, and only 3 per cent. are still outstanding.