HC Deb 28 October 1965 vol 718 c329
14. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he is taking in the light of the views expressed to him by the Swimming Teachers Association of Great Britain and the Commonwealth in their recent correspondence with him about state registration of full-time and part-time professional swimming teachers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Denis Howell

I regard the teaching of swimming as a matter of importance, and good qualifications should certainly be encouraged. But I do not consider that it would be appropriate to introduce legislation requiring the registration of professional swimming teachers.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister not realise that the science and art of swimming in this country compares very unfavourably with that of other countries? Should we not try to emulate the help which is given to teachers of swimming in other countries, which realise that swimming is good for the health and physique of the nation as well as for life saving?

Mr. Howell

Although we in this country broadly accept the proposition which my hon. and learned Friend has put to me, we think that it is extremely important that teachers should be educationists first and specialists second.