§ 13. Brigadier Raynerasked the Minister of Education whether, following his circular requesting schools and colleges to pay special attention to United Nations Day, he will make a similar request for the observation of Empire Day.
§ The Minister of Education (Mr. Tomlinson)I do not think that local education authorities and schools need any reminder from me about such a well-established institution as Empire Day.
§ Brigadier RaynerIn view of the fact that the British Commonwealth really works, whereas the United Nations remains something of a pious hope, will the right hon. Gentleman try to arrange something rather special in the schools on Empire Day?
§ Mr. TomlinsonMaybe if the other had been a pious hope I should have thought it necessary to send out a circular.
Mr. Noel-BakerCan my right hon. Friend say whether he got a satisfactory response from the schools to his first circular, and whether he will go on encouraging them to make the most of United Nations Day in the future?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI could not possibly do so, because I do not get returns nearly so frequently as Members put down Questions.
Mr. Wilson HarrisWould it not be a more accurate idea of national policy, under whatever Government we get, if Commonwealth Day could be substituted for Empire Day? Would it not be worth while issuing a circular drawing attention to that?
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo, Sir. I think that would be as big a mistake as the other.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanDo not these supplementary questions, and especially the first, show how necessary it is to devote special attention to United Nations Day?