HC Deb 13 July 1944 vol 401 cc1883-4
32. Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the President of the Board of Education in what form and when it is proposed to lay before Parliament proposals for the subjects and curriculum which are to be taught in schools as a result of the administrative machinery established by the Education Bill; and whether the Norwood Committee Report is to be accepted as a basis.

Mr. Ede

While the general principles to be observed in framing the curriculum may be laid down in grant regulations which are required to be laid before Parliament, it would not, in the view of my right hon. Friend, usually be appropriate in such regulations to enumerate the particular subjects to be taught. It is his intention, as soon as conveniently possible after the passage of the Bill into law, to issue circulars to local education authorities and others on the content of the instruction in schools of different types and other relevant matters. In preparing such circulars the recommendations of the Norwood Committee, in so far as they are appropriate, will be borne in mind. I cannot, however, at this stage give a precise date for the issue of these circulars.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Will the regulations that the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned be available for Members of the House? Is it not the undoubted right of this House and every parent to know with great exactitude what the children are to be taught?

Mr. Ede

The answer to the first part of the question is, "Yes, Sir." With regard to the second part, I am sure that the circular will have a wide publication in the educational and the general Press, and people will get a very good idea of what the Minister's views are on the subject.