§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the President of the Board of Education whether a resolution recently passed at the annual conference of the National Chambers of Trade, asking that a general instruction be given to increase the time allowance in schools of the elementary subjects inclusive of history and geography, and suggesting that steps should be taken to obtain the advice of members of chambers of trade and mercantile associations in the preparation of the necessary syllabus, has been brought to his notice; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?
Duchess of ATHOLLYes, Sir; my right hon. Friend has seen this resolution, but it left him in doubt what subjects its authors desired to eliminate from the curriculum of elementary schools. The whole question has been dealt with in the Report of the Malcolm Committee on Education and Industry, to which I would refer the hon. Member. My right hon. Friend welcomes the interest shown by the National Chamber of Trade in the work of the schools, and he hopes that local Chambers of Trade will consult with their local authorities and teachers, as many are already doing. As the hon. Member is aware, the Board do not themselves prepare the syllabuses of the schools, and their Regulations no longer contain directions as to curriculum.