HC Deb 13 June 1907 vol 175 cc1560-1
MR. HARMOOD-BANNER (Liverpool, Everton)

To ask the President of the Board of Education if his attention has been called to the demand for the compulsory introduction of the teaching of hygiene and temperance into the curriculum of elementary schools; and whether he intends, by legislation or administrative action, to carry through a scheme in reference thereto with as little delay as possible.

(Answered by Mr. McKenna.) I have received numerous representations urging the necessity of extending the teaching of hygiene in elementary schools. The Code at present lays down that physical training should be included in the curriculum for scholars other than infants, and should be accompanied by instruction in the elementary rules of personal health in respect of food, drink, cleanliness, and fresh air, and the volume of "Suggestions for the Consideration of Teachers," which was issued by the Board a few years ago, included an outline scheme for the teaching of hygiene and temperance. I am considering how the numerous difficulties connected with the teaching of this subject can be surmounted, and I hope to derive considerable assistance in this from the International Congress upon School Hygiene which meets in London in August.