HC Deb 04 December 1947 vol 445 cc560-1

The Exchange of Teachers

The figures for the estimated number of exchanges of teachers in 1948 are:

U.S.A. … … 150
Canada … … 100
Australia … … 50
South Africa … … 18
New Zealand … … 9

In addition it is expected that there will be a small number of exchanges with Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

The Exchange of Assistants

In the current school year approximately 400 French, 30 Swiss and six Belgian Assistants are serving in our schools: approximately 150 Assistants from this country are employed in France and five in Switzerland. It is expected that these numbers on both sides, will be fully maintained or even increased next year.

The Exchange of Pupils and Students

Arrangements are under discussion between the Ministry and the French Authorities for an exchange of pupils and their teachers with France during the summer term of 1948. It is estimated that some 500 pupils and 50 teachers will take advantage of these arrangements. The English Speaking Union are respon- sible for a scheme under which 23 boys are this year attending American schools, and a similar number of American boys are in schools in this country. This number is expected to increase next year. As regards holiday exchanges, the number of these will no doubt be large, and they will cover many of the countries of Western Europe: but the number of different bodies responsible for them, and the many uncertainties regarding the extent of the demand from overseas and the conditions under which exchanges will be practicable next year make it impossible at present to give any detailed estimate. I am informed that the National Union of Students are planning approximately 250 student exchanges with eleven countries next year, but that the actual number may be considerably larger.