51. Captain Cobbasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that 200 English and Welsh teachers will visit Paris at Easter as the guests of the French Government; and what arrangements have been made for this visit?
Mr. LindsayYes, Sir. The Board, in co-operation with the British Institute in Paris, have arranged a course for teachers of French in secondary schools in England and Wales. The proposal to hold the course has produced a gratifying expression of interest from the authorities of the University of Paris, who, acting in 1277 agreement with the French Ministry of National Education, have undertaken to meet the whole of the expenses of the organisation of the course and of the provision of the necessary lecturers. In addition the University of Paris have placed the amenities of the Sorbonne at the disposal of the members of the course. My Noble Friend would like to take this opportunity of expressing his great appreciation of the generous help and co-operation of the French Government, which he has already conveyed to the French authorities.
§ Sir P. HarrisWill the Board consider giving a similar invitation to French teachers to visit England, in order to encourage these desirable exchanges?
Mr. DavidsonDoes not the Board think that the Italian language will be more necessary to the school children in the future?