§ 74. Mr. Leachasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what progress has been made with the fitness campaign; whether any difficulties have arisen in acquiring land; whether the local authorities are fully co-operating; what grants have been made; and whether he is satisfied with the rate of progress registered?
§ 67. Mr. Hepworthasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any grants have yet been made under the Physical Training and Recreation Act; and, if so, for what purpose?
Mr. LindsayGrants have been approved by the Board of Education under the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937, in respect of 11 capital projects, including four swimming baths, three gymnasia, and four clubs, and many further projects are under consideration. Grants have also been made to the Central Council of Recreative Physical Training towards the training of teachers and leaders, and to 15 other voluntary associations towards the development of their work for physical training and recreation. My Noble Friend is not aware that any difficulties have so far arisen in regard to the acquisition of land, and as regards playing fields, a substantial sum is being placed at the disposal of the National Playing Fields Association. The establishment of the area committees has now been completed, and my Noble Friend is glad to have this opportunity of expressing his appreciation of the co-operation of local authorities in the setting up of the committees and of the assistance which they have afforded in regard to the temporary arrangements which were necessary until the committees could be provided with the requisite staff and office accommodation. Now that the area committees are getting to work, my Noble Friend has every hope that rapid progress will be made in the development of the facilities which the Act was designed to promote.
§ Mr. LeachWould the Parliamentary Secretary say how many local authorities have failed to approach him on this matter?
Mr. LindsayIt is not the business of the local authority to approach us. Local authorities are working in co-operation with area committees on the various schemes.
§ 77. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the salary scales of physical training instructors in elementary and secondary schools still compare unfavourably with those of other members of the teaching staffs; and whether, in view of the desirability of raising the status of physical training instruction, he will arrange for the salary scales of the physical training staffs to be reviewed at an early opportunity?
Mr. LindsayMy Noble Friend is unable to accept the suggestion that the salary scales of physical training instructors compare unfavourable with those of other members of the teaching staff. In public elementary schools instruction in physical training is normally given by certificated teachers whose training has included that subject. Where, however, a specialist teacher is employed, payment is made on the certificated teacher's scale. As regards secondary schools, non-graduate physical training instructors are paid on the same scale as other teachers who do not possess a University degree or its equivalent. The salary scales of these instructors, as of other teachers, come within the purview of the appropriate Burnham Committee.
§ 78. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what progress has been made under the Physical Training and Recreation Act with the commencement of the Physical Training College?
Mr. LindsayThe acquisition of a site for the National Physical Training College is at present actively under consideration. The Board are also considering the detailed accommodation which will be required to meet the various needs of the college.