§ 33. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that a number of girl elementary scholars at Chorley are receiving cooking instruction in the secondary school contrary to the Regulations of the Board of Education; whether the Regulations of the Board will be upheld; whether he is aware that a number of girl scholars qualified for, and desirous of receiving, cooking instruction at Chorley are shut out by the inadequate provisions made; and whether he -will make representations to the Chorley local education authority on this matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Trevelyan)The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The arrangement is not contrary to the Board's Regulations. I am informed that the existing accommodation is insufficient to provide cookery instruction for all the girls in the public elementary schools at Chorley who are of an age to profit by it. His Majesty's inspector has conferred with the authority on the subject of the supply of special subjects instruction and I understand that they considered the question of making provision for this purpose in connection with their new elementary school, but decided not to make it in that way. The provision of such instruction is within the discretion of the authority.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the President the other day advocated the development of teaching of mother-craft in connection with our 520 schools. Is not this an opportunity for carrying out that policy?
§ Mr. TREVELYANUnder the existing system of Grants there is no power.