HC Deb 11 February 1960 vol 617 cc636-7
21. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education when he expects to be able to free teachers from clerical duties in connection with the School Meals Service.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Kenneth Thompson)

Local education authorities were asked in March last to review their arrangements for providing clerical assistance to schools and to take steps to ensure that this was adequate. Many authorities are increasing the amount of clerical assistance provided. The extent to which teachers undertake clerical work in connection with school meals is arranged between the teachers and the local education authority concerned.

Mr. Thomas

Is the hon. Member aware that the teaching profession would be very grateful if he could stir up local authorities in the provision of clerical aid? Teachers should be free to get on with their proper job of teaching and not be weighed down with clerical duties.

Mr. Thompson

I am aware of those views, and it was with that in mind that local authorities were prompted in March last year to go forward with the provision of clerical aid. I am very glad to say that they are doing very well.