§ 11. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education if he is aware that over 3 million children in State schools are unable to swim owing mainly to lack of 370 facilities to learn; that deaths from drowning include the third highest death rate from all accidents; that the Council for the Promotion of Education in Swimming has, by its consultant architect, designed a plan for simple inexpensive swimming baths for schools; that this plan has been submitted to his Department; and if he will now take steps to implement it in the schools under his jurisdiction.
§ Sir E. BoyleMy noble Friend is examining the plan which the hon. and learned Member sent him, and will write to him as soon as possible.
§ Mr. HughesI thank the Minister for the examination which is taking place. Does he realise that the plan is a constructive and skilled attempt to remove a blot from our national training system, in respect of which we compare very unfavourably with other maritime nations?
§ Sir E. BoyleI am sure that local education authorities are very well aware of the importance of teaching children to swim.