Mr. DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the majority of persons in these islands are ignorant of any knowledge in the art of swimming; and whether, seeing the increasing number of cases of accidental drowning that so frequently occur, due solely to the inability of the victims to avail themselves of the first essential of any preservation in or on the water, he can see his way to make swimming lessons compulsory in all schools where facilities can be obtained?
§ Mr. FISHERThe Board have always refrained From prescribing particular subjects, and I do not see my way to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion. Local education authorities and school governing bodies are fully alive to the desirability of 1663W providing instruction in swimming and have made considerable progress with such provision, which will no doubt be facilitated by Section 17 of the Education Act, 1918.