§ 16. Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will inform this House of the details of his campaign to make the people of this country more familiar with the social and economic life of the Colonial Empire, the scope of the appeal to universities and secondary schools to study the history, conditions and mode of life of colonial peoples, and if appropriate text books will be made available for teachers with this objective in view.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsA series of films, booklets, picture-sets, maps and other other material about the Colonies is being produced by the Central Office of Information on behalf of the Colonial Office to stimulate public interest, especially in educational institutions. Details of this material, of lecture services and of other sources of information were recently published in a pamphlet, "Britain and the Colonies," which is on 367 sale to the public and has been distributed to schools through local education authorities. A copy is in the Library. A Colonial Exhibition in London is planned for June next.
With regard to the third part of the Question, I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education that the selection and provision of text books is a matter for local education authorities and schools.
§ Sir P. HannonIs it the policy of the Colonial Office to use every possible means of bringing the mode of life and circumstances, political and economic, of the Colonial Empire before the people of this country?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsWe are trying to do so.
§ Mr. SkinnardIn connection with this plan, will the Under-Secretary consider the extended use of film strips, in view of the importance of visual education in this matter?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI am grateful to the hon. Member for that suggestion, which we shall consider.