HC Deb 01 March 1956 vol 549 cc1356-7
32. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Education approximately how many teachers and schools have refused to collect contributions from their pupils for National Savings; how many have refused temporarily to perform other tasks outside their specific professional duties; and what are the estimated hours per week per teacher devoted normally to other than pedagogic functions.

Sir D. Eccles

I have not got the information to answer the first and second parts of the Question, nor have I formed any estimate that would enable me to answer the third part.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that that is a most disappointing reply which gives me no information at all? Surely, he must have some estimate in his Department about each of these questions. May I ask him, therefore, to be so good as to look at the matter again, in order to give me at least a rough idea?

Sir D. Eccles

To give the hon. Gentleman an answer I should have to keep records of just how teachers spend their time, and I do not think that that would be a good idea.

Mr. Ede

If the right hon. Gentleman has no official knowledge on this matter, could he favour us with his personal opinion?

Mr. G. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that there are few people who give so much voluntary service as teachers, and that the Question of my hon. Friend will serve to remind this House and the country of their debt to the teaching profession?

Sir D. Eccles

I know that teachers give voluntary service, and all credit to them; but so do members of other professions. I was brought up in the house of a doctor.