HC Deb 26 November 1914 vol 68 cc1286-7
15. Mr. RUPERT GWYNNE

asked the President of the Board of Education, if he will sanction the request sent to him by the Eastbourne education committee for permission to teach drill in their elementary schools?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)

Physical exercises are part of the regular curriculm in all elementary schools. I believe, however, that neither from a military nor from an educational point of view is advantage to be gained by introducing drill of a definitely military character into public elementary schools, and I do not see my way to authorise its introduction. My reasons are explained in a letter to the Eastbourne local education authority, a copy of which I have sent to the hon. Member.

Colonel YATE

Will not the right hon. Gentleman give his reasons here?

Mr. PEASE

They are somewhat lengthy, but I have no objection to my letter to the Eastbourne education committee being published.

Colonel YATE

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish it with the Votes?

Mr. PEASE

I think that would be unusual.

Colonel YATE

Ought not the country to know?