§ 31. Mr. J. Hyndasked the Minister of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the considerable withdrawals from first-aid classes in the Sheffield region following upon the increase in fees from 5s. to 20s. ; whether he is aware of the importance of encouraging, rather than discouraging, those citizens who wish to equip themselves to cope with accidents in the home, the factory and in the streets ; and if he will withdraw the application of Circular 307 to such classes and so permit the local authorities themselves to decide on what increases in fees may be necessary.
§ Sir D. EcclesI have not yet received enrolment figures from Sheffield. First-aid classes are certainly of great value, but students aged 21 or over can reasonably be expected to pay 20s. for classes covering two terms. I do not feel able to exempt these classes from the operaation of Circular 307.
§ Mr. HyndEven if the Minister refuses to withdraw the whole of Circular 307, will he not study this again and realise that first-aid classes are largely inspired and largely taken over by people inspired by a desire for public service, and that it would be a good investment for the country to provide such instruction free? Will he not again consider whether this type of class and others of a similar kind might not have special exemption from the provisions of the Circular?
§ Sir D. EcclesIt would not be a good thing to make exceptions, at least until I have seen the figures of enrolments.