§ 44. Major Carverasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the shortage in skilled agricultural labour, he will recommend to the county councils any scheme for practical instruction in farming methods for children in school hours on suitable farms nearby, and so help to encourage the younger generation to remain on the land?
Mr. LindsayThe Board of Education are anxious to secure that the instruction in public elementary schools and secondary schools in rural areas should be 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 invite the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to the Board's pamphlet "Education and the Countryside," of which I am sending him a copy. The Board do not, however, consider that technical instruction in agriculture is appropriate or, indeed, possible as part of the elementary curriculum.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Minister of Health has informed the House to-day that there are 20,000 agricultural labourers unemployed?