HC Deb 04 February 1915 vol 69 cc147-8
90. Mr. PETO

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will take steps to secure the exemption from school attendance during the currency of the war in all rural areas of all boys over the age of 12 years who can show that they can obtain agricultural employment?

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

It is for the local education authority in the first instance to consider whether in any particular case there is a reasonable excuse for non-attendance at school, and whether proceedings should be instituted to enforce compliance with the by-laws. I have no ground for supposing that the duty of enforcing their own by-laws is harshly or inconsiderately discharged by local education authorities, but in my own opinion no case has been made out, or could be made out, for the wholesale exemption of boys over twelve in rural areas, which is suggested by the hon. Member. Such a course would, moreover, require legislation which the Government do not propose to introduce.

91. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked the President of the Board of Education if his Department now sanction military drill in elementary schools?

Mr. PEASE

The Board are not prepared to sanction the addition of military drill to the physical exercises which are now universal in elementary schools.

92. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has considered the question of increasing the facilities for boys in rural districts to be absent from elementary schools for the purpose of assisting in farm work during the period of the War and the shortage of agricultural labour?

Mr. PEASE

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given to the hon. Member for the Devizes Division of Wiltshire, of which I am sending him a copy.

94. Mr. WHITEHOUSE

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give the approximate number of children who though liable to attend school have been withdrawn and sent to work?

Mr. PEASE

I am unable to give this information, and I think it would be very difficult to obtain an accurate Return. I am, however, considering what I can do to obtain information.