§ 59. Mr. Thurtleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his Department issues, for 2241 the guidance of the authorities responsible for grant-aided schools, an approved list of history books from which such authorities may select the books they think suitable for their schools; if not, whether such authorities have unfettered freedom to purchase and use in their schools any history books they please?
Mr. LindsayThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, as I explained in my answer to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean) on 25th November last, it is the Board's policy to leave the choice of books, together with details of the curriculum generally, to the discretion of the local education authority or other authority responsible for the school.
§ Mr. ThurtleAre we to assume that, if the attention of the Government is drawn to the fact that a certain history book contains glaring inaccuracies, the Department is still unable to take any action in the matter?
Mr. LindsayThe Department is able to take action, but I would like to make this statement that, looking back:, as far as I can ascertain, no case has ever arisen where the Board has had to consider the prohibition of the use of a book which it thought to be unsuitable. I think that generally it would be a wise policy to allow a good deal of freedom and local self-government in these matters. There are methods, through the inspectors, of checking up from time to time if there is any inaccuracy.
§ Mr. ThurtleMay we take it then, that, if the attention of the hon. Member is drawn to the fact that history books are being employed containing serious misstatements of fact, he will ask his Department to take some action in the matter?
Mr. LindsayIf they were glaring misstatements over a large number of books or even over one book obviously we should look into the matter.
§ Mr. LipsonWould it not be better if members of local education committees themselves dealt with this matter rather than bring it to the attention of the Board.