Education

Pre-Service Training Units

16.

Mr. Lindsay
asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that pre-service training units recruit at different ages and cover much common ground between the ages of 14 and 16, he will take the initiative in  giving central guidance, in order to preserve the balance of continued education, technical instruction and pre-service training?

The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Butler)
In the advice given to local education authorities in Circular 1577 particular attention was drawn in paragraph 14 to the needs of the age group 14–16 to which my hon. Friend refers. I am keeping this question under review.

Mr. Lindsay
Is it the policy of the Government to have pre-service training for the whole of those between 14 and 18 years of age, because at the present time, as he knows, there are some half million young people in those units and there is a shortage of places and would it not be better to concentrate on the years 16 to 18?

Mr. Butler
The age differs according to the unit into which the boy or girl goes. As my hon. Friend knows, in the case of the cadets the age is slightly younger than in the case of the A.T.C.

Church Services, Lewes (School-Time Attendance)

17.

Mr. Sorensen
asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has now secured further information regarding the circumstances and legality of a Sussex education committee assembling certain scholars during school-time in a church to be addressed by local ministers or clergy; and whether any other education committee has adopted a similar practice?

Mr. Butler
Yes, Sir: I am informed that the children of the Mountfield Road Council School, Lewes, attend a religious service in church on one morning per week, but no decision to introduce a similar practice at the other council school in the town has yet been taken. The service is undenominational in character and has been arranged in co-operation with the Church of England and the Free Church bodies of the area. Parents were circularised beforehand by the local education authority and their consent invited; the parents of only two children have dissented and their children attend at school instead of the church. The services are conducted by the clergyman and minister and the attendance of teachers is voluntary. Registers are marked at the  school at 9.45 a.m. I am advised that there is nothing in the Education Acts to preclude undenominational religious' instruction or observance for council school children being conducted elsewhere than on the school premises. As regards the last part of the Question, I am not aware that any other local education authority has adopted this arrangement.

Mr. Sorensen
Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that this matter involves a question of national and general educational importance going beyond the local area, and has he taken steps to consult with any prominent national educational bodies on the principle involved? Further, is he aware that I have raised this matter particularly from that standpoint and not because of any local interest in the town?

Mr. Butler
I am sure the hon. Member would be animated by the motives he has mentioned in raising the matter. I am watching it, because it is an exceptional practice, and I shall continue to do so.

Mr. Hannah
May not the great capital of noble Sussex, the cradle of this House, be permitted to manage her own affairs?

Teachers And Youth Leaders (Training)

18.

Mr. Mander
asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the advisability of including representatives of headmasters and headmistresses on the committee appointed to inquire into the recruitment and training of teachers and youth leaders?

Mr. Butler
I considered, when appointing the committee, the question of making it representative of all the interests concerned, and I decided that it would be better to have a small committee which would receive evidence from, and freely consult, headmasters, headmistresses and others who are engaged directly or indirectly in the training of teachers.

Mr. Mander
In view of the great importance of including teachers of this grade, who have a strong desire to be represented, will the right hon. Gentleman not give this matter close consideration?

Mr. Butler
No, Sir, because I deliberately took the step of not appointing the committee upon a representative basis It is a committee composed of people exceptionally well qualified for the task, and I can assure my hon. Friend that they will pay attention to any representations made to them by any headmasters or head mistresses.