HC Deb 04 July 1963 vol 680 cc572-3
17. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Education if he will give the names of the members of the committee which is to study primary education.

Sir E. Boyle

I hope to make an announcement next week.

Dr. King

While I would not make any personal criticism of the chairman and vice-chairman of this very important committee, would it not have been better to appoint a primary head teacher as its chairman? As the Minister has not done that, can he assure us that he will appoint to this committee members of the teaching profession who know about primary schools and citizens who have been educated in primary schools?

Sir E. Boyle

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the committee, whose membership I hope to announce next week, will include strong representation of all the appropriate sectors of the education service. I must say that I believe that Lady Plowden will make an admirable chairman of this committee.

Mr. Jennings

While I welcome the decision to appoint a committee to investigate primary schools, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether any member is to be appointed who has direct teaching experience in primary schools? If not, why not? Would it not be logical and practical for my right hon. Friend to do so?

Sir E. Boyle

I think that when my hon. Friend sees the list he will agree that all the appropriate sectors of the education service, including the practical representatives of the teaching profession, are reasonably represented on the committee.