§ 13. Mr. SHEPHERDasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the Report of the county medical officer for the Yorks (North Riding) education authority, which states that at a large number of schools the playgrounds are in a bad state of repair, and in some cases are so small that the work is restricted and the children deprived of proper games and activity; and whether, in view of these facts, he will take such steps as are within his power as shall ensure that every elementary school shall have a playground fit for children to play in?
§ Lord E. PERCYI have seen the report in question. I believe that the North Riding authority is fully alive to the importance of doing all they can to provide adequate playground accommodation.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many schools where the Board of Education syllabus on physical training cannot be carried out because of the inadequacy of the playgrounds?
§ Lord E. PERCYThat also is in the report to which the hon. Member has referred. I was in the North Riding the other day, and I visited a good many of these small schools. If the hon. Member is acquainted with the condition of the small rural schools in the North Riding, he will appreciate the difficulty which the local authorities must be under. I am quite sure that they are doing all they can.