HC Deb 24 June 1931 vol 254 cc435-6
38. Mr. MANDER

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps are being taken to make use of talking films for educational purposes?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Morgan Jones)

Experiments with sound film apparatus have recently been made in a number of schools in Middlesex, but my right hon. Friend is not aware that any other steps are being taken in the matter.

Mr. MANDER

Do I understand that the Board of Education is generally sympathetic towards the development of sound films for educational purposes?

Mr. JONES

Yes, the hon. Member may take it that we are watching this experiment with great interest, but before sanctioning any expenditure the question of suitability must be determined.

Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASS

May I ask whether any real advance has been made in the use of cinematograph films for educational purposes?

Mr. JONES

As far as I know, the Middlesex experiment is the only one that has been made.

Mrs. MANNING

Are we to be encouraged to understand that the Board of Education will aid the production of suitable films for this purpose, or are they only buying the apparatus?

Mr. JONES

We must get satisfactory information as to the suitability of the sound apparatus before we discuss the question of the purchase.

Mrs. MANNING

Is the hon. Member aware that the difficulty is in finding suitable films because the market is so restricted that the producers will not produce films that are suitable?

Sir N. STEWART SANDEMAN

Can the hon. Gentleman promise that all the equipment required will be manufactured in Britain?

Miss WILKINSON

May I ask whether any instruction has been sent or whether the Department is bringing to the notice of directors of education the desirability when new schools are being built of making provision for projectors and screens, so that this type of education may be developed?

Mr. JONES

The question of suitability must first be determined before we embark on an expenditure of that kind.