§ 16. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the, President of the Board of Education if he will consider instituting a compulsory course of swimming for school children, after passing a, medical examination, as a definite part of the school curriculum where facilities for swimming are available; and if he is aware of any education committees in the country who have already taken steps for systematically teaching the art of swimming to the scholars?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lard Eustace Percy)think my hon. Friend underestimates the work already being done. A large number of authorities already prescribe systematic courses of instruction in swimming and, in general, I do not believe that it is necessary or desirable that the Board should issue detailed directions to authorities in regard to curriculum.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKWill my Noble Friend use his influence with the authorities that are not using a system of training to see that this very popular form of instruction is carried out?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould it not, perhaps, be more useful for the Noble Lord to recommend that there should be a compulsory course in flotations?
§ Lord E. PERCYI do not know quite what is the suggestion of my hon. Friend, whether he wants me to use my influence or to issue directions, which, I think, will perhaps come to the same thing.