HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 cc1030-1
27. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to end canvassing in connection with vacancies for teaching posts in schools.

Mr. N. Macpherson

In circular No. 404 of 19th March, 1959, my right hon. Friend told education authorities that he considered canvassing prejudicial to the standing of the teaching profession and that they should not hesitate to prohibit it.

Mr. Thomson

Is the Minister aware that the education convener of one prominent Scottish local authority celebrated the arrival of his circular by making a public statement that he preferred open canvassing for posts? Will the Minister take steps to make this degrading practice illegal, either by attaching it as a condition of grant or in some other way?

Mr. Macpherson

I certainly was not aware of that, but I shall ask my right hon. Friend to consider what the hon. Member has said. The hon. Member will, however, realise that the responsibility for appointing teaching staff is vested by Statute in the education authorities.