§ MR. CLYNES (Manchester, N.E.)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he can state the terms of reference for the proposed Committee of inquiry respecting the question of half-timers, and announce the object of the Committee and the extent to which organisations of workers would be represented thereon; whether he is aware of the increase of voluntary effort designed to give children of the poorer classes a few days' summer rest in the country or at the seaside; and whether he can consider the necessity of extending Government help to private effort, and make it more adequate for the children's needs.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Mr. RUNCIMAN, Dewsbury)I hope to be in a position to announce the terms of reference and the personnel of the Committee in the course of a few days. At present I can only say that representatives of the operatives will be included. With regard to the last part of the Question, I am aware that efforts in the direction indicated are being made by individuals and societies; but while sympathising entirely with such enterprises I regret I can hold out no hope of financial assistance from the Government, in view of the numerous calls upon the Exchequer. I may say, however, that experiments are being made by certain local authorities, with the approval and under the supervision of the Board, in the direction of establishing open-air schools.
§ MR. CLYNESIs it intended to place on the Committee a representative of the Half-Timers' Council?
§ MR. RUNCIMANI am now considering the constitution of the Committee and if the hon. Member has any representations to make to me I will consider them.
AN HON. MEMBERAnd will he also consider the desirability of having schools erected on sites in healthy districts?
§ MR. RUNCIMANThat hardly arises out of the question but it is a very good thing to aim at.