HC Deb 27 July 1944 vol 402 cc884-5
28. Sir W. Brass

asked the President of the Board of Education what action his Department are taking with a view to the development of the film as a medium of education.

Mr. Butler

My Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, are arranging for the production in the current year of a limited number of educational films. They are in consultation' with the Board of Trade about the use for educational purposes of film equipment which will be released by the Services and by the Supply Departments after the war, and about the demand which will have to be met in the postwar period for new school projectors. The Board have recently appointed a staff inspector with special responsibility for advising them on visual methods in education, including the use of films. In these developments, the Board hope to have the advice and assistance of the British Film Institute.

Sir W. Brass

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his statement will give great encouragement to those who are anxious to see the use of visual aid in schools, and that the British Film Institute is most anxious to help in every way?

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is it not the case that what is called the film strip is even more valuable in education than the ordinary film? Will my right hon. Friend see that that aspect is not neglected?

Mr. Butler

I am glad to say that we have already made a great deal of progress with the film strip.