HC Deb 22 November 1917 vol 99 c1331
28. Mr. BUTCHER

asked whether the majority of rural schools and urban schools in rural surroundings throughout the country are adequately provided with school gardens or allotments; if not, whether the deficiency is due to lack of instructors or of tools, or of local interest and initiative, or to difficulties in procuring land; and what steps are being taken to make good the deficiency?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Lewis)

Owing to the reduction of statistical work, I am unable to give the present number of school gardens, but many new gardens have been started during the War. The difficulties of extending the provision differ in different places, and include those mentioned in the question. The board have recently issued a circular urging local education authorities to provide a greatly increased number of classes for the instruction of teachers in gardening.

Mr. BUTCHER

Will the lion. Gentleman take care that not only are classes provided, but that there are allotments for practical purposes provided by the Department?

Mr. H. LEWIS

The Board of Education have done their best to encourage the prevision of school gardens.