§ 29. Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Education whether medical 1156 opinion other than that of the medical branch of the Board of Education has been sought in order to confirm the opinion of such medical branch to the effect that for children up to fourteen or fifteen it is most desirable that military drill shall not be introduced into elementary schools?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)The answer is in the negative, as no occasion has arisen for such consultation. In 1902 the Board issued a "Model Syllabus of Physical Exercises," which was largely based on military drill. In 1904 an Interdepartmental Committee, which included two medical men, unanimously reported that they did not consider the "Model Syllabus" suitable for use in schools, and recommended the adoption of a scheme based upon well-defined physiological and educational principles. When considering the revision of the; syllabus in 1909, the Board had the advantage of informal consultation with a number of medical authorities.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the statement in this question as to the opinion of the medical branch of the Board of Education is correctly given?
§ Mr. PEASEI cannot say as to the precise words without reference to the medical report, but I know that the opinion of my medical adviser is that the physical system at present in use in the elementary schools of this country is much the best kind of exercise and drill which those children can undergo.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the words quoted are his own words?
§ Mr. PEASEI believe they are absolutely correct, but without reference to the words I did not like at the moment to commit myself to them.