HC Deb 12 March 1913 vol 50 c252W
Mr. RAWLINSON

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the statement made by Lord Herschell, on behalf of the Government, on 10th February, 1913, in another place, that in the process of training in gymnastics, physique, and discipline it might well be that the use of arms and simple military formations would add to the self-respect of the people; and whether he is prepared to sanction steps by local education authorities to add to the self-respect of the people by these means?

Mr. J. A. PEASE

If the hon. Member refers to public elementary schools I may say at once that, I am not prepared to sanction the use of arms or the practice of military formations in them. I have received no proposals of the character suggested in respect of any schools controlled by local education authorities.