§ 14. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Education if he is aware that many gipsy children of school age are not receiving any education from State or denominational schools and that serious problems arise in later life because of being unable to read or write; and what action he proposes to take in this special limited problem which is not capable of solution by the local education authorities.
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir. Local education authorities do what they can but so long as gipsies are gipsies their children's education will be a problem.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the right hon. Gentleman not appreciate that with the diminution in the number of sites where gipsies can stay for some time, it is impossible to give them education? Is he not further aware that in other European countries special efforts have been made not only for these children but for the adults, and that if he does not do something about this matter they will always remain outcasts?
§ Sir D. EcclesI do not think that the position is quite so bad as the hon. Gentleman suggests.
§ Sir D. EcclesA survey was made in Kent which showed that a great many of the children were attending school, at any rate in the winter time. We will do our best, but it is very difficult with these people, who care so much for their mobility, to lay hold of the children and get them into the schools.