HC Deb 19 March 1891 vol 351 cc1420-1
MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education if he has given any effect to the recommendation of the Select Committee on Friendly Societies, which reported, in 1889, with regard to the introduction of the principle of popular insurance for sickness and old age as one of the subjects of general instruction under the direction of the Department; and, in the contrary case, if he will now do so?

*THE VICE PRESIDENT OF the COUNCIL (Sir W. HART DYKE,) Kent, Dartford

It is impossible to include such instruction in the obligatory subjects prescribed by the Code; but by the removal of all restrictions as to optional subjects, and by encouraging managers to submit for approval schemes of instructions on various topics, it is hoped that the recognition now generally accorded to the importance of provident insurance will lead to its being introduced into the school course to a much larger extent. The Department have also intimated that they would be prepared to accept reading books dealing with the subject in a manner suited to the capacity of young children.