HC Deb 28 September 1939 vol 351 c1497W
Mr. de Rothschild

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware of the circumstances of hundreds of women teachers who have lost their employment in consequence of the evacuation of secondary and private schools; that in the case of some private schools teachers have not received either the usual notice or salary in lieu of notice; that many of these teachers are anxious to undertake work of National Service but are barred there from by their being in a reserved occupation; and whether he will take steps to have the regulations with respect to reserved occupations amended to enable these teachers to perform work of national importance and earn their living until they can be re-absorbed into their profession?

Mr. Lindsay

I have seen it stated that many women teachers in private schools have lost their employment in consequence of the evacuation scheme, but I am not aware that this is the case in grant-earning secondary schools. The hon. Member will be aware that women teachers may be accepted for nursing and first aid services, but the question of amending the Schedule of Reserved Occupations so as to enable them to undertake other duties is a matter for the Ministry of Labour.