HC Deb 06 November 1958 vol 594 cc1082-3
7. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Education what delegates have been appointed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Conference now meeting in Paris.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

The Parliamentary Secretary is leading the delegation and Sir Ben Bowen Thomas is deputy leader. The members are Sir Harold Spencer Jones, Professor H. R. Trevor-Roper, Sir William Emrys Williams, Mr. C. R. Allison, Miss F. D. Mackenzie-Whyte, and officials.

Mr. Stewart

May I ask two supplementary questions? First, what arrangements has the right hon. Gentleman previously made for either the House or the public to be informed of the membership of this important delegation? Secondly, since the schools run by local authorities are, after all, the backbone of this country's educational system, is not it a pity that the right hon. Gentleman did not include in the delegation at least one headmaster of such a school?

Mr. Lloyd

There was an official announcement about the membership of the delegation. Of course, I take the hon. Gentleman's point, but it is difficult, having regard to the size of the delegation, always to fit in every single element in the educational sphere.

Mr. Stewart

I did not ask the Minister to fit in every single element; I merely asked him to find room for one representative of the main element.

Mr. Lloyd

There have been such representatives before, and I have no doubt that there will be again on other occasions.

Mr. Ede

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot find a head teacher, will he at least include a teacher?