§ 51. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the declining number of art students in schools of art, and that this decline is attributed to the suppression of drawing in elementary schools; and whether this policy is to be carried further?
Mr. PEASEThere has been no material variation in the number of students registered in Schools of Art during the seven years ending with 1911–12. The numbers for that year were slightly lower than for the previous year, but I am informed that, on the other hand, they attended for a somewhat greater number of hours, so that the total amount of work done was, if anything, a trifle increased. No statistics for 1912–13 will be available for many months. There has been no suppression of drawing in elementary schools. On the contrary, the subject is one which it is the policy of the Board to encourage.
§ Mr. KINGIn view of the great demand of the public for artistic productions of all kinds will not something be done to foster the teaching and study of art?