§ 26. Mr. T. Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the particular importance of first-aid in war-time, and in view of the fact that the subject is only one of many health matters dealt with in the recently-issued "Suggestions on Health Education," he will communicate with local education authorities suggesting that elementary first-aid should be taught to all children of an appropriate age?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)The "Suggestions on Health Education" in which reference was made to instruction in first-aid was published as recently as January last, and the Board do not consider it necessary to draw the further attention of local education authorities to the matter at present. I should prefer, in accordance with the usual practice, to leave it to their discretion and to that of the teachers in the schools.
§ Mr. SmithIn view of the importance of this first-aid training, will the Minister keep his eye on the progress made?
§ Mr. LindsayYes, Sir, I will. It is not our practice to do more than make suggestions, but I hope what I have said will be brought to the attention of local authorities.