§ Mr. McNEILLasked the President of the Board of Education whether any local education authorities are closing schools and dispensing with teachers; and, if so, whether this policy is in pursuance, directly or indirectly, of instructions from, or action taken by, the Board of Education?
§ Mr. FISHERAs regards the closure of schools, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 3rd April to the hon. Member for the Bother Valley Division (Mr. Grundy). As regards the reduction of teaching staffs, the Board have issued no instructions. They have, however, felt obliged, in certain cases where the standard of staffing or its application 2445W in particular schools appears to be excessively liberal, to ask the local education authorities to review their arrangements in consultation with His Majesty's inspector.