HC Deb 24 June 1943 vol 390 c1316
60. Sir P. Hannon

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is in a position to make a statement on the measures he proposes to adopt for the encouragement of the study of the Spanish and Portuguese languages in secondary schools?

Mr. Butler

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by me on 8th January, 1942, a copy of which I am sending him, The question of giving greater prominence to Spanish and Portuguese in secondary schools must be considered in relation to the curriculum as a whole and the careers open to pupils with a knowledge of these languages. I anticipate that the Norwood Report, which will shortly be available, will offer suggestions on this subject for the consideration of school authorities and teachers.

Sir P. Hannon

Meantime is my right hon. Friend keeping in view the importance of these languages being taught in view of the expansion of our export trade after the war?

Mr. Butler

Yes, certainly, and I hope my hon. Friend will read the Norwood Report when it is available.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Will my right hon. Friend also include Russian?