§ 39. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has considered the report made by Tynemouth teachers on the employment out of school hours of school children and the effect on their capacity to learn, a copy of which is in his possession; and if he will give consideration to setting up a general inquiry on similar lines to ascertain the national facts on this matter.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI received the report only two days ago. I am considering it in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department and will inform the hon. Lady when we have reached conclusions.
§ Dame Irene WardI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that statement. Is he aware that, certainly in the North of England, people will look forward eagerly to a pronouncement by him and that we hope that it will be in the direction of dealing with this somewhat out-of-date practice?