HC Deb 28 April 1952 vol 499 cc53-4W
Mr. Lindgren

asked the Minister of Education whether she is aware that in response to Circular 242 the Warwickshire Local Education Authority and Dorsetshire Local Education Authority have decided to eliminate all instruction in swimming to children attending schools in their areas and the Bournemouth Local Education Authority to reduce expenditure on swimming instruction by 50 per cent.; and what action she proposes to take to ensure that the essential fabric of the education service is maintained by the local education authorities named and to see that facilities and instruction in swimming are maintained.

Miss Horsbrugh

I am aware of the action proposed by Warwickshire, but I have no similar information about the other two local authorities. While I agree that instruction in swimming is very desirable, I should not regard myself as justified in interfering with the authorities' discretion in this matter.