HC Deb 27 April 1944 vol 399 cc919-20
32. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has participated in the discussions for setting up a United Nations organisation for educational and cultural reconstruction; what is the policy of His Majesty's Government in the matter and what is the scope and purpose of this organisation; and whether the draft constitution will be published for the information of Parliament.

The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Butler)

As Chairman of the Conference of Allied Ministers of Education, I have taken part in these discussions, which have resulted in the acceptance by the Conference of a draft constitution for a United Nations organisation for educational and cultural reconstruction. The draft will now be submitted for the consideration of the Governments concerned, including His Majesty's Government. The question of the publication of the document must be deferred until the observations of the Governments have been received. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a statement defining the scope and purpose of the proposed organisation, which the Conference authorised for publication.

Mr. Rhys Davies

May I ask the right on. Gentleman whether, when he discusses the problem of educating 80,000,000 German people, and millions more in central Europe, he will bear in mind that we shall be short of 70,000 teachers in this country?

Mr. Butler

I do not think that I could accept the view put by the hon. Gentleman of what I have been discussing. Perhaps if he will read the document he will see that it is not quite as comprehensive as that.

Colonel Arthur Evans

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House whether it is part of the functions of the committee to satisfy themselves that the historical facts of the nations concerned, as circulated in the schools of the varions countries, are in fact correct?

Mr. Butler

We are making ambitious attempts on those lines.