HC Deb 11 June 1894 vol 25 c804
VISCOUNT WOLMER

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether his attention has been drawn to that part of the last Report of the Inspector on the National School of Cranborne, Dorset, in which he says the gymnastic apparatus recommended for the playground in last year's Report has not yet been supplied, and should be provided without delay; and whether, if such a demand is justified by the Code, such gymnastic apparatus can be required in a purely rural parish where the opportunities of games and exercise for the children are unlimited?

MR. ACLAND

The apparatus which Her Majesty's Inspector has urged the managers of this school to supply consists of a giant stride and a swing. These are usual features in the playgrounds of well-equipped rural schools, and it is very desirable that there should be something of the kind attached to all schools for the use of the children during their intervals of recreation between school hours. I hope the managers may see their way to provide them, especially as the cost cannot be serious.

MR. TALBOT

Are these things required by the Code? It is as well we should know what the Code really requires.

MR. ACLAND

I do not think that in the case even of new schools it is an absolute requirement, but, like a great many other things in connection with our schools, managers who wish to do their best by the schools will supply them.

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to refuse the grant if the managers do not do as he tells them?

MR. ACLAND

I have already told the noble Lord that I will do nothing very violent.