§ 42. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the movement amongst men of science to protest against the compara- 290 tive neglect of science in the teachings of the schools and universities of this country; whether he has considered how far such neglect has redounded in great material losses to the country during the present War; and whether he will consider the advisability of appointing an evening for the discussion of the Motion relative to scientific education standing in the name of the Member for West Clare?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government are instituting inquiries into the whole question of education after the War, and I think it is desirable to defer discussion of the subject in this House until the Government are in possession of the results of these inquiries. In any case I doubt whether the hon. Member's Motion affords a suitable basis for such discussion.
§ Mr. KINGDoes that mean that the Departmental Committee which has been appointed by the Board of Education must be in a position to report before there is any discussion in this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it would be desirable in the general interest that it should be. It will not take long.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not possible that a discussion in this House might assist the deliberations of the Departmental Committee?
§ Mr. LYNCHWas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman called to a meeting at the Linnean Society the other day of representative scientific men, where it was shown that even with regard to the actual conduct of this War the deficiencies of science had been a great detriment to the cause of the Allies?
§ Sir J. D. REESDid the right hon. Gentleman also see the counterblast signed by many eminent men on behalf of classical studies?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPerhaps the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Lynch) will send me a report of the meeting.