§ 3. Mr. MacCollasked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that, owing to the shortage of infants' teachers in the Whiston district, children who have reached school age have been unable to obtain admission to school; and what steps he is taking to assist the local education authority to provide education for them.
§ The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)I understand that these children will be admitted to school next week.
§ Mr. MacCollIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at least one of these children was 5 years old last September? If a child of that age is not admitted to school till March, does it not really mean that the right hon. Gentleman is not carrying out his obligation to see that children of compulsory school age are getting proper education? Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that if parents keep their children away from school they get prosecuted?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am very sorry about this case and I am glad that the hon. Member brought it to my attention.