HC Deb 17 July 1940 vol 363 c218
64. Mr. Parker

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the London County Council has offered the National Council of Recreative Training the use of its evening institutes, with skilled instructors, to provide recreative physical training; that 50 centres are available for this purpose; that negotiations on the matter have been dragging on for a long time; and whether a decision will be reached forthwith?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Ede)

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Fitness for Service Scheme sponsored by the Central Council of Recreative Physical Training and the Football Association. I understand that on 24th June the late Education Officer of the London County Council, in acknowledging particulars of the scheme, stated that facilities for physical training were available at the council's evening institutes. This was not taken as a specific offer on the part of the London County Council, and there have been no negotiations. I have now asked the Organising Committee of the Scheme to clear the matter up with the London County Council. I am informed that the committee have made it clear from the outset that they would welcome the active co-operation of local authorities in furthering the scheme.