HC Deb 26 April 1928 vol 216 c1053
12. Mr. RYE

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the advisability of including in the elementary school curriculum, Standards 6 and 7, a primary course of economics?

14. Mr. SMITH-CARINGTON

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the advisability of including a primary course of economics in the elementary schools curriculum; and if he can make any statement as to the practicability of doing so?

Lord E. PERCY

The Board do not prescribe the subjects to be included in the curricula of schools. Economics is, however, taught in many secondary schools, particularly those which provide commercial courses, and also in a considerable number of technical and continuation schools; but its teaching as a distinct subject is not really suitable for children of elementary school age, and simple lessons on the elementary principles of economics are more generally and, I think, more effectively given in connection with lessons in history and geography.