§ 32. Mr. Flanneryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what evidence she has that schools which previously had swimming lessons as part of the normal curriculum are now making a charge for such lessons; what is her policy in relation to such charges; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonMy Department has no information relating to cases where charges are made for swimming as a normal part of the curriculum. In cases where parents are asked to pay for swimming lessons available to their children, it is for the local education authority concerned to justify the statutory basis of such payments. Payments would not in our view be justified if such lessons were part of the normal curriculum. I am advised that it would be in order for authorities to seek reimbursement where such provision is made as an extracurricular activity on behalf of parents who wish their children to participate in it.