§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the President of the Board of Education whether he has any information bearing on the receipt by headmasters in some parts of the country of a communication asking them to inquire and report as to any members of their staffs engaged on subversive activities; and whether he will take steps to discourage this practice?
§ Mr. Keyasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that head teachers have been asked to give private information against members of their staff who hold certain religious or political beliefs, or who, in the opinion of the head teacher, are likely to be disloyal; that varying interpretations are being placed upon the request by different authorities and head teachers; that teachers are being suspended from duty or dismissed because of their beliefs; and whether he will arrange for the immediate withdrawal of the instruction and the destruction of any lists of teachers already compiled in accordance with its terms, as the making of secret reports is open to abuse?
§ Mr. Lipsonasked the President of the Board of Education why headmasters have been asked to report on any members of their staffs who may be considered to hold subversive opinions?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI am aware that some local education authorities have caused inquiries to be made on the lines1418W referred to in the Questions, and I have received complaints from certain associations of teachers as to the nature of the inquiries made and the action taken on them. In order to make clear to authorities the Government's views on the matter, my Department on 26th July issued a circular to all local education authorities conveying a memorandum prepared by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and Minister of Home Security. I am sending copies of the circular and memorandum to the hon. Members.