§ 59. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Education whether he will consider initiating special lectures in schools in urban areas with a view to combating hooliganism and vandalism.
§ Mr. TomlinsonTeachers are accustomed to help their pupils to develop good manners and civilised standards of behaviour, and I do not consider that any special action on my part is necessary.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs not my right hon. Friend aware that there is a local authority in London which has initiated these special lectures with very good results, and will he encourage other local authorities to follow this excellent example?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI would not do anything to prevent them following a line of that kind, but if every experiment made in schools of a particular character is sponsored by the Minister, there would be no curriculum but just a lot of special subjects.
§ Mr. Leslie HaleWill the Minister bear in mind that whatever the standard of behaviour in Bedford, there is no need for these lectures in Oldham?
§ Mr. McGovernBefore the right hon. Gentleman attempts to give lectures against vandalism in those areas, will he give a lecture to hon. Members in this House? Has he looked at the telephone kiosks in this House?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have no control over that, but I will consider it.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs my right hon. Friend aware, with regard to the previous supplementary question, that my Question did not have its fount and origin in Bedford, but in London?