§ 96. Wing-Commander Millingtonasked the Minister of Education whether she is aware that Mrs. V. G. Newton has been asked to resign her position as head mistress of the Ford Endowed School, Dagenham, after 4½ years in that posi- 120W tion and has not been asked to apply for the permanent post; what is her policy with regard to sex discrimination in education; and if she will make that policy widely known amongst local education authorities.
§ Mr. HardmanI understand that the appointment of Mrs. Newton was on a temporary wartime basis. In 1945 the post was advertised by the local education authority, no restrictions as to sex being made in the advertisement. Id general, my right hon. Friend would strongly deprecate discrimination on grounds of sex, but it will be appreciated that sex may be an element in considering the suitability of a candidate for a particular post. I am satisfied that this principle is known and observed by local education authorities.