§ 33. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from the parents' association regarding the dispute affecting Acre Rigg School in Peterlee; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Miss BaconLike my right hon. Friend I have received a copy of letters sent by the association to the Easington exempted district and to the local education authority. There is no action open to me at present.
§ Mr. ShinwellBut, after all, my right hon. Friend and her right hon. Friend have a responsibility for curricula and for the appointment of teachers in all the schools under the Education Act. Surely they must accept that responsibility and try to bring the dispute to an end.
§ Miss BaconWe very much deplore the dispute that has arisen, but it is between the teachers and their employers and can be settled only in that 643 context. I should add that the Government's conciliation officers would respond to any joint indication from both sides in the local dispute.