§ Mr. Murrayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what representations he has received from the 139W British Women's Total Abstinence Union on instruction in schools on the need for abstinence; what was his reply; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CroslandI have received a copy of a resolution passed by this year's Annual Meeting of this Union asking me to ensure that all children are given regular instruction on the properties and effects of alcohol. It is not my practice to issue instructions on what subjects should be taught in schools and I have told the Union that I have noted the terms of their resolution.
Local education authorities and schools are, however, aware from my Department's pamphlet "Health Education" of the importance which I attach to suitable instruction being given in this subject. A new pamphlet entitled "Health Education in Schools" is to be issued shortly and will reinforce the advice given in "Health Education."