HC Deb 31 January 1972 vol 830 cc23-4
29. Mr. Probert

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to ensure that schools in Wales will remain open, in view of the strike in the coal mining industry.

Mr. Peter Thomas

It is the responsibility of the local education authorities to ensure that all possible steps are taken to keep their schools open.

Mr. Probert

Is the Secretary of State aware that he also has a direct responsibility in this matter and that at present some 50,000 Welsh school children, many of whom shortly face important examinations, are being deprived of their education because of the Government's stubborn refusal to grant a fair and just wage to the miners? Is he further aware that he would do a great service to the people of Wales if he were at this moment to advise his right hon. Friend to instruct Derek Ezra promptly to call a meeting with the miners and put before them a much-improved offer, in order to alleviate the suffering of old-age pensioners and sick people in my constituency and in South Wales as a whole?

Mr. Thomas

I certainly agree with the hon. Gentleman that it would be in the interests of all if this unhappy strike could be settled. I agree that many people are suffering and will suffer in the future. I am satisfied that local education authorities are doing all that they can to keep schools open. When schools are forced to close, special arrangements are generally made to assist children with their studies.

Mr. Michael Foot

In view of the rising anger in the country about the continuance of the coal strike and the compete failure of the Government to take any action to try to bring it to an end, will not the right hon. Gentleman, as Secretary of State for Wales, recognise that he has special responsibilities on this matter to make representations to the Government, especially to the Prime Minister? Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he has made any special representations on this matter or whether he intends to do so this week?

Mr. Thomas

I am fully aware of my interest in this matter—and it is a real interest. But the hon. Gentleman's question is somewhat wide of the original Question, which asked what I intended to do to ensure that schools in Wales remained open.