HC Deb 17 August 1916 vol 85 cc2056-7
45. Colonel YATE

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the public interest in the physical education of our youth, he will set up a Committee to consider the question of an improved system of physical training in all elementary schools, and the extension of this training to all secondary schools, in the form of the Cadet Corps that are now being so generally established in the county council and other secondary schools throughout the country?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

This is one of the questions which will have to be considered as part of the general inquiry into the national system of education which has been announced.

Sir S. COLLINS

Is it not possible for children to have a thoroughly efficient physical education without the aid of or belonging to Cadet Corps?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is one of the questions which ought to be considered.

Colonel YATE

Having already appointed two or three Committees on this subject, will the right hon. Gentleman not appoint another Committee to consider this question?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir. I think the old maxim of the Schoolmen applies—Entia non sunt multiplicanda prœter necessitatem.