§ 15. Sir R. THOMASasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, although a Canadian Government emigration agency has for some time been established in Cardiff, it had not up to 15th January last succeeded in recruiting a single youth for migration to Canada; and whether he will take steps to have fuller instructions given in schools regarding those Dominions and Colonies in which there are openings for settlement?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)I am informed that the number of youths from South Wales applying for settlement in Canada is not sufficient to fill the available openings. On the other hand, the Boys' Training Hostel, which was opened on 26th February under the auspices of the Welsh Council of Empire Settlement, already has its full complement of boys, i.e., 40. The Board do not prescribe the subjects of instruction in the elementary schools; but they have 540 called attention in their "Suggestions for Teachers" and elsewhere to the importance of giving the children a knowledge of the geography and resources of the Dominions and Colonies. I have no reason to think that the teachers are neglectful of their opportunities in this matter. The Oversea Settlement Committee are in direct touch with the headmasters and headmistresses and supply them with full information as to oversea settlement opportunities and facilities.
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether he is prepared to teach the toys in the Welsh schools, and any other schools, the history of how the land in this country was taken away from them, with the resulting necessity for migrating?
§ Mr. MARDY JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman give any additional reasons to explain why it is that so few boys have taken advantage of these opportunities?
§ Lord E. PERCYI do not think there are educational reasons.