HC Deb 25 February 1937 vol 320 cc2171-2
42. Colonel Ropner

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will endeavour to stimulate an interest in farming among young people by the provision of practical instruction in agricultural and horticultural subjects during the last school year?

The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

The Board of Education are anxious to secure that not merely the work in the last year but complete courses in public elementary schools and in secondary schools in rural districts are specially suited to rural conditions, and they have for some time been encouraging county local education authorities and governing bodies in this direction. I would call the hon. and gallant Member's attention to the Board's pamphlet "Education and the Countryside," of which I am sending him a copy. I am hoping for a considerable improvement as a result of the reorganisation of the schools in rural areas.