HC Deb 01 July 1948 vol 452 cc2362-3
59. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked 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. Tomlinson

Teachers 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-Lodge

Is 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. Tomlinson

I 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 Hale

Will the Minister bear in mind that whatever the standard of behaviour in Bedford, there is no need for these lectures in Oldham?

Mr. McGovern

Before 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. Tomlinson

I have no control over that, but I will consider it.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Is 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?

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