HC Deb 03 August 1939 vol 350 cc2620-1
63. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether a knowledge of the British Commonwealth is imparted as part of the curriculum in our elementary schools?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)

Yes, Sir. The importance of a knowledge of the British Commonwealth is generally recognised by school authorities in the framing of syllabuses of instruction.

Mr. Smith

Have the Board of Education considered showing the beauty spots of the Empire in a series of educational films as a means of increasing knowledge of the Commonwealth in the schools?

Mr. Lindsay

It is not the province of the Board to prescribe curricula, and I think that is just as well, but I do know that such films are being used by local authorities, and I hope they will make even more use of them.

Mr. Maxton

Will the Minister see that some of the facts in the recent report on nutrition in the Colonies are embodied in the lessons given?

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Parliamentary Secretary go to see "Colony" being played at the Unity Theatre?