§ 16. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress is being made in Turkey in the organisation of classes in English for 2551 Turkish students; and how far the work of the British Council has been recognised by reciprocal action on the part of the Turkish authorities.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Mayhew)The English classes organised by the British Council in Turkey are now well established and were attended by 4,542 students in the last quarter of 1947, which compares with 4,563 students for the same quarter of 1946. Increasing emphasis is being laid on the training of Turkish teachers of English and it is hoped that this work, which is now undertaken at Ankara, will shortly be extended to Istanbul and Izmir. The British Council in Turkey receives a full measure of cooperation from the Turkish authorities.
§ Sir P. HannonDoes the hon. Gentleman contemplate the extension of this beneficent work in Turkey, and can he say whether the shortage of teachers of English prevents more active progress?
§ Mr. MayhewWe would willingly extend it but we have to bear in mind the question of overseas expenditure.