HC Deb 01 March 1945 vol 408 cc1537-8
15. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Minister of Education what steps he is taking to secure the proper teaching of world history in our schools; and if he will publish a list of the books on this subject approved by his Department for inclusion in a school's curriculum.

Mr. Butler

During the war I have issued memoranda, which have been widely distributed among teachers, drawing attention to the importance of including in the curriculum a study of the history, geography and literature of the U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. These memoranda included selected lists of books. I have issued similar bibliographies dealing with the study of the British Empire and China. Special courses on these subjects, attended by upwards of 4,000 teachers, have recently been held in different parts of the country.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I attended two academics, for two years at each, and when I came back I remembered nothing—I only remember to-day the names of the Kings of Zululand—and will he allow Mr. H. G. Wells' "History of the World" to be in every school? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."]

Captain Cobb

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether there is any special emphasis given in our schools to the importance of a knowledge of the British Empire?

Mr. Butler

Part of this very enlightened policy which is being pursued by the Ministry includes the study of the British Empire, but it also includes a study of the other great countries which I have mentioned.