HC Deb 05 May 1966 vol 727 cc147-8W
Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware that few schools under his authority have facilities for swimming and sunbathing and that fewer give the pupils instruction in swimming; how many schools under his authority have facilities for teaching swimming and for sunbathing; where they are situated; and what steps he is taking to improve the facilities.

Mr. Denis Howell

I have no complete information about schools with swimming facilities of their own, but 144 covered and heated swimming pools have been approved since 1958 and the English Schools Swimming Association estimate the number of school pools of all types at about 4,000. Very many children are taught swimming in school hours in public baths and the numbers are constantly increasing; as my right hon. Friend told my hon. Friend on 29th April, 1965, he is sure that local education authorities do not need to be reminded of the value of swimming and we do all we can to encourage them.

Opportunities for sunbathing are outside my right hon. Friend's control and are not an educational pastime.