§ 27. Sir John Graham Kerrasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the changes being made in the educational system of the U.S.S.R. with the object of adapting it to the conditions of modern civilisation, involving the allocation of a greatly increased proportion of school time to science; and whether he will consider the advisability of similar changes in the Scottish system of school education.
Mr. JohnstonI have been unable to obtain particulars of the changes in the educational system of the U.S.S.R. to which the hon. Member refers. Some time ago, however, I asked the Advisory Council on Education in Scotland to review the post primary Scottish educational system, and their investigations will no doubt cover the question of the time to be allocated and the importance attached to various subjects in the curriculum. I am sure the Council will be very glad to have any observations on developments in the U.S.S.R. of which my hon. Friend may be aware.