§ Mr. FLEMINGasked the President of the Board of Education how many public elementary schools in England have gardens attached to them for instructional purposes; and whether, in view of their value to children, he is taking steps to establish them wherever possible?
Mr. PEASEDuring the current year instruction in gardening is being given at 2,484 schools. There are, in addition, twenty-three centres attended by scholars from more than one public elementary school at which instruction in gardening is also given. I am sure that ail local education authorities are fully aware of the importance which the Board attach to the work done in school gardens, but I shall lose no opportunity of encouraging and facilitating their establishment wherever the circumstances of the school permit.