§ 44. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the number of boys who have been drowned in British canals, rivers, and seas owing to their inability to swim; and if he will now provide better and more extensive facilities for the promotion, in schools and other places under their authority, of education in the art of swimming.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Dennis Vosper)Local education authorities are well aware of the importance of teaching 632 children to swim. As to the provision of additional baths, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the Answer which my right hon. Friend gave him on 31st May last.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister realise that this should be encouraged and that the provision of adequate education in swimming provides not only for safety but also for physical fitness, which should have a very high priority in his plan? Will he ensure that it has?
§ Mr. VosperYes, Sir, I agree, and I admire the persistence of the hon. and learned Gentleman in raising the matter. However, I equally believe that local authorities are aware of it and are doing all they can.