HC Deb 25 May 1950 vol 475 c2214
15. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Education how many county and county borough education authorities, other than Middlesex County Council, gave schoolchildren a holiday to celebrate Empire Day.

Mr. Tomlinson

Without making special inquiries I could not say. I have no doubt, however, that Empire Day was generally marked either by a holiday or in some other suitable way.

Mr. Braine

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some education authorities do not recognise Empire Day in this fashion, and does he not think that the day is of sufficient importance to warrant a holiday for all children in the land? Is there any better way of fixing the importance and significance of the Empire in the minds of young people than by celebrating Empire Day?

Hon. Members

Commonwealth Day.

Mr. Tomlinson

There are differences of opinion as to whether a holiday is the best method of marking Empire Day. I am quite certain that it was recognised.