HC Deb 08 December 1966 vol 737 c347W
96. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will state for any convenient period the number of pupils attending schools in the area of the London Borough of Newham who were killed or injured as a result of carrying out their educational studies in physical education when learning such sports as football, rugby, swimming, athletics and boxing.

Mr. Redhead

This information is not available in the Department.

97. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware that the Inspectorate of Physical Education has issued a circular advising education authorities in London to ban the teaching of boxing to school children because of possible physical injuries; and, as the evidence shows that the injuries from boxing are no more than those received in football, rugby, swimming and athletics, if he will have this circular withdrawn and advise the education authorities concerned that they should decide such questions on the basis of benefit to the pupils.

Mr. Redhead

There has been no such circular.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will advise all education authorities that, as during 1965 in an area covering 825,000 children no loss of life or injuries causing damage for life was incurred by pupils carrying out physical education in football, rugby, swimming, athletics and boxing, no attempts should be made to prevent the continued study of these sports, and participation therein, on the grounds of possible injuries being caused to the pupils concerned.

Mr. Redhead

No.