HC Deb 31 March 1960 vol 620 c1480
2. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Education what instructions are issued to local education authorities on the provision of pens and pencils for pupils.

Sir D. Eccles

None, Sir. Local education authorities make their own arrangements.

Mr. Smith

Would my right hon. Friend consider circularising the various local education authorities, in view of the recently published survey on behalf of a pen manufacturing company in which it was alleged—and I quote: Although new school buildings are being equipped with every modern device, an alarmingly high proportion do not provide writing instruments. One school said its allocation was one pencil per pupil per year.

Sir D. Eccles

I am afraid that I cannot accept the information given in that survey.