HC Deb 24 July 1941 vol 373 cc1031-2
10. Sir F. Fremantle

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that teachers, probation officers, doctors and social workers are generally anxious for the teaching of mothercraft to be given to schoolgirls as the best means of attacking juvenile delinquency; and whether he will arrange for such teaching to be given throughout the country?

Mr. Butler

A chapter of the Board's Handbook of Suggestions for Teachers on Health Education is devoted to mothercraft, and I shall continue to foster such instruction as is practicable for school children.

Sir F. Fremantle

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the national importance of this, in view of the fact that girls are being turned forth into the world at the age of 16 and have not a great deal of knowledge of what they have to face?

21. Sir F. Fremantle

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the report from the National Association of Maternity and Child Welfare Centres, urging the immediate need of the teaching of mothercraft to schoolgirls; and whether he will consult with the President of the Board of Education with a view to putting this recommendation into operation?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I have noted the report with much interest. Its recommendations fall mainly within the province of the Board of Education, but I shall be glad to consult with the President of the Board on the steps that it may be possible to take towards carrying them out.

Sir F. Fremantle

Does the Minister recognise that this is a matter of national importance and not merely a question of health?

Mr. Brown

Yes, and that is why I gave the reply in the form in which it is.

Viscountess Astor

Now that the right hon. Gentleman has got infants' and children's welfare under his Department and it is taken out of the hands of the Board of Education, will he see that more attention is paid to it?

Mr. Brown

The Noble Lady is not correct. It has not been taken out of their hands. What has happened is that we are making a great co-operative effort in this matter, and I have the advantage of knowing at the Ministry of Health that those who are responsible to the Board of Education are working with me energetically on this most important matter.

Viscountess Astor

Is it not true that those are gentlemen who have never seen a nursery school or anything connected with it?

Mr. Brown

I should deprecate that statement.

Viscountess Astor

But it is true.