§ 25. Mr. Brockwayasked the Minister of Education what action he has taken regarding a circular dated 12th July, 1956, issued by the Herefordshire County Council to the heads and staffs of educational institutions and youth clubs, a copy of which has been sent to him, giving particulars of the annual essay competition sponsored by the League of Empire Loyalists offering prizes of £20, £10 and £5 and a school cup for essays on subjects which are expressed in terms of political bias.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this organisation is largely composed of ex-Fascists who have in turn disturbed meetings of the Prime Minister, Father Huddlestone and my right hon. Friend the Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan)? Is he further aware that the subjects which have been distributed by the education authority include the following—"The Case Against Scuttle" and "Why Britain should Stand Firm in Cyprus, Singapore and other Places"? [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Even if that is applauded by hon. Members opposite, does the Parliamentary Secretary regard those as suitable for distribution among our schoolchildren as subjects for essays?
§ Mr. VosperThe Question asked whether my right hon. Friend would interfere in this particular matter, and he feels that it should be left to the discretion of the local authority and to the good sense of the headmasters. For that reason, without commenting upon the issue involved, he does not think that he should intervene with the local authority.