§ 39. Mr. Leslie Boyceasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the list of books prescribed for the Oxford and Cambridge Higher Certificate for 1942, and to the fact that one of the few German texts prescribed for General Reading by the examining board is Das Neue Deutschland; and whether, in view 1484 of the Nazi political and economic propaganda contained in this work, he will take steps to have it removed from the list?
§ Mr. RamsbothamYes, Sir. My attention has been drawn to the inclusion of the book in question in the syllabus for the Oxford and Cambridge Joint Board Higher Certificate in 1942, and I am taking steps to investigate the matter without delay.
§ Mr. BoyceIs my right hon. Friend aware that this book contains a photograph of Hitler by his personal photographer, that it describes Hitler's genius in great detail and in flattering terms, and that it elaborates the drawbacks of democracy, and contains many other equally offensive features? If his investigations confirm these facts, will he be prepared to act without delay?
§ Mr. RamsbothamMy hon. Friend's remarks will stimulate me to carry out this investigation with exceptional speed
§ Mr. ManderWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that much information in this book was supplied by the Junkers and other armament factories in Germany, and is so acknowledged in the book? Is it not obviously a most undesirable book to be in the list for this examination?