§ 41. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any developments have taken place in regard to the supervision of primary schools in Palestine and the teaching of English in those schools?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThere have been some developments since the right hon. Gentleman last raised this question. An 1396 Education Ordinance, giving the Government powers of control over certain classes of schools, was approved by the Secretary of State in August last. Further, some of the Jewish schools have accepted a measure of Government supervision in return for increased financial assistance. As regards the teaching of English, I can add nothing to what my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, said on the 28th March last.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand that this ordinance, which involves additional supervision, does not involve any improvement in the teaching of English in these schools?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIt may. We hope to introduce and encourage the teaching of English gradually, but not where it is contrary to strong local sentiment. If people want Arabic, to force English upon them would be most undesirable.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that what is suggested is that those people who want to learn English should be allowed to learn English? There is no question of forcing it upon them at all.