HC Deb 11 December 1934 vol 296 cc183-4
8. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that children have been found to pay great attention to lectures delivered by uniformed police officers on road safety, he will consider introducing occasional lectures of this sort into the regular school curriculum?

Mr. SKELTON

The Scottish Education Department have twice communicated with education authorities with a view to encouraging the instruction of school children in the avoidance of traffic dangers, but the particular methods to be adopted have been left to the education authorities to decide according to the circumstances of their areas.

Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

In view of the fact that this method of lectures by uniformed police officers has been found very satisfactory, will not my hon. Friend recommend that it should be extended?

Mr. SKELTON

I find that out of four cities two, Edinburgh and Glasgow, already have such lectures by uniformed police officers, and in a third city, Aberdeen, the question is under discussion. I will consider whether in the case of Dundee and other towns the steps suggested should be taken.

Mr. LOGAN

Is it part of the curriculum for policemen to give lectures?

Mr. SKELTON

Any lecture or teaching on whatever subject may, I think, be described as part of the curriculum.

Mr. T. SMITH

Is the value in the uniform or in the lecture itself?

Mr. SKELTON

I gather that the value of the lecture is re-inforced by the presence of the uniform.

Mr. McGOVERN

Will not the hon. Member consider the advisability of opening the schools to the Minister of Transport as part of his new publicity campaign?