§ 57. Sir A. KNOXasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will consider the desirability of making the 23rd April, St. George's Day, a general school holiday, and arrange that the school day just previous to that day be given over to teaching Empire history?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMBoth the suggestions relate to matters which are within the discretion of the school and local education authorities, and my Noble Friend doubts if his intervention would serve any useful purpose. He has no reason to believe that these bodies are not fully alive to the importance of the considerations which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind.
§ Sir A. KNOXWould it not be a good thing to teach the children something about the Empire and the builders of the Empire before this Government gives it entirely away?
Viscountess ASTORWill the hon. Member see that the children learn something about the spiritual and moral reformers as well as the soldiers of the Empire?
§ Mr. THORNEAnd also how they are being robbed day by day!
§ Mr. HANNONIs it not the case that in some Dominions And Colonies this day is regarded as a national holiday when the Union Jack is flown over the schools, and would it not be a good thing to follow the example in this country?