Mr. T. MORRISasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that some of the local education authorities in South Wales grant the school children a holiday on Labour Day, 1st May, and do not grant them one on Empire Day, 24th May; and if he will consider issuing a circular to local authorities suggesting that Empire Day shall be a national holiday for all the school children. in Wales?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMMy Noble Friend has no information in regard to the first part of the Question. With regard to the second part, the closure of schools on particular days is a matter which is within the discretion of the local education and school authorities, and my Noble Friend doubts if his intervention would serve any useful purpose.