§ Mr. Langasked the Minister of Education if he will undertake that where teachers are called upon to give swimming instruction as part of their duties, only persons holding the Amateur Swimming Association advanced certificate shall teach this subject.
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo. Swimming instruction is normally given by teachers who have, in addition to their general training, taken a course of specialised training in the subject or have other suitable experience. It is for employing authorities to consider whether any particular teacher possesses the qualifications and experience needed for giving adequate instruction in a particular subject in a particular post.
§ Mr. Langasked the Minister of Education if he is aware that there is a shortage of male instructors in swimming in some Cheshire schools due to the fact that there are about 10 weeks' holiday without pay between April and September; and whether he will suggest an increase of pay for qualified instructors to local authorities.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI am not aware of such a shortage. Where swimming instructors are employed who do not hold general teaching qualifications, their salaries and conditions of service are primarily for settlement by their employing authorities. At present I know of no reasons which would justify my intervention with a view to influencing local authorities in the way suggested.