§ 30. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Education if he can say whether and, if so, to what extent cinematograph films are now being used in the teaching of history, geography, or other school subjects in elementary, secondary, technical, or continuation schools; and whether, failing such present use, and considering the educational value of such pictorial representations, the Board is prepared to authorise local education authorities to employ such methods of instruction within their administrative areas?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Trevelyan)The use of the cinematograph for purposes of class instruction is very rare in those schools which come within the cognisance of the Board, though one or two instances are known to them. Its adoption by local education authorities does not require the Board's authorisation. The Board are marking inquiries into the 2052 subject, but until further evidence is forthcoming they are not prepared to express any opinion on the value of this method of instruction, which, as the hon. Member is probably aware, is still a matter of controversy among educationists.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDoes that reply mean that the Board of Education would not approve of the local education authorities themselves advocating the use of such films?
§ Mr. TREVELYANThe local education authorities do not require the Board's authorisation.