HC Deb 29 August 1895 vol 36 c1139
MR. MAURICE HEALY

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education, whether in English infant schools it is now optional for teachers to use phonetic reading books; when this regulation was made, and whether there is any reference to it in the Code; and to what extent, if any, has it been availed of by the teachers?

SIR JOHN GORST

The Committee of Council have made no regulations on the subject of reading books in infant schools, and there is no reference to it in the Code. If phonetic reading books were used in such schools, no objection would be raised by the Committee; but I am unable to inform the hon. Member to what extent the system is now employed.

MR. MAURICE HEALY

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman had any objection to embody in the Code a statement to the effect that there is no objection to these books in elementary schools?

SIR JOHN GORST

With regard to the Code for next year, I cannot give any undertaking.