HC Deb 07 May 1959 vol 605 cc534-5
16. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Education how many local education authorities have appointed teacher representatives on the education committee; and how many have not.

Sir E. Boyle

This information is not available, but I believe that most do.

Dr. King

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the local authorities which have appointed teacher representatives to education committees have found their experience and knowledge of great value? Will he call to the attention of those authorities which have not done so their power to do so and the advantages to education from co-opting teachers on education committees?

Sir E. Boyle

As the hon. Member knows, the difficulty is that there is no requirement under the 1944 Act that local education authorities should do this. But I can tell him that my right hon. Friend is sure that it is a good thing for teachers to be represented on education committees, and I hope that some education authorities will take note of this statement.