§ 34. Mr. A. M. SAMUELasked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that a large proportion of the kindergarten materials used in schools receiving grants from public funds are of foreign make, and that some education authorities specify by name the foreign makers of certain goods to be quoted for; and whether he will inquire into the matter?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANI have no information which would support the suggestion in the first part of the question, 355 and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by an inquiry, as the local education authorities are well aware of the wishes of His Majesty's Government that goods and materials of home production should be purchased as far as practicable. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular recently issued by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, drawing the attention of all local authorities to this matter.
§ Mr. SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to receive evidence as to the foreign origin of the articles which I have mentioned?
§ Mr. HARRISCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the opinion of the experts in the infant schools on this matter?
§ Mr. JAMES HUDSONSeeing that the word "kindergarten" is also of foreign origin, will the right hon. Gentleman also exclude that?