§ Mr. HUNTasked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that all the schools in Wales were 35 closed in celebration of St. David's Day, and school children sang patriotic songs and were given addresses on national subjects, he proposes to take steps to secure similar privileges for English children on St. George's Day, 23rd April?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Trevelyan)I presume that the question refers to public elementary schools. I think the hon. Member has been misinformed. I am aware that in certain public elementary schools in Wales the curriculum at the morning session on St. David's Day was specially adapted to the occasion, with the approval of His Majesty's Inspectors, and I understand that in some cases the children were given a half - holiday in the afternoon. I am not aware, however, of any general closure of Welsh schools on St. David's Day. If local education authorities desire to vary the curriculum on any special occasion they have full liberty to make proposals, which will, of course, receive due consideration. It is not for the Board of Education to initiate any such proposals. As regards closure, provided that the requirements of the Code are fulfilled, the Board will not interfere with the discretion of local education authorities.
§ Mr. HUNTMay we understand that the elementary schools in England may be closed on St. George's Day if the local authorities like to do so?
§ Mr. TREVELYANIt depends on whether the proposals of the local education authorities are in accordance with the Code.
§ Mr. TREVELYANObviously the elementary schools in England will be treated on the same terms as elementary schools in Wales.