§ 44. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many grants have been made during each of the last five years for the promotion of education in swimming and in life-saving in schools under his authority; of what nature the grants were; and to whom they were made.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe provision of swimming baths in schools and the teaching of swimming and life-saving in schools are matters for local education authorities. The Government contribution to the cost is made in the form of general grant.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIs the Minister not evading his responsibility to realise and promote education in swimming and life-saving, having regard to the close inter-relation between physical and mental fitness? Will he, therefore, reconsider his Answer accordingly?
§ Mr. HowellI have made innumerable speeches in the country with just this object in mind. I am certainly not trying to evade responsibility but the main responsibility is in the schools as I have said.
§ Dr. Wyndham DaviesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that every year 1,500 people are drowned in Britain and next year the total is expected to be larger than ever before, and this can be remedied only by increased education in swimming and life-saving in the schools?
§ Mr. HowellI entirely agree with that, if we add to it the need for more swimming baths in our schools and in the country.