HC Deb 06 March 1952 vol 497 cc634-5
18. Brigadier Ralph Rayner

asked the Minister of Education what consultations have taken place between her Department and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation regarding the writing of a History of Mankind under the auspices of the organisation.

Miss Horsbrugh

The project for a History of Mankind has been discussed by the United Kingdom National Com mission which advises me on U.N.E.S.C.O. matters, and the Commission's views upon it have been presented at successive U.N.E.S.C.O. Conferences by the United Kingdom delegations. It is now in the hands of an international body of scholars, established for the purpose, under decisions taken by the General Conference of U.N.E.S.C.O.

Brigadier Rayner

Will my right hon. Friend endeavour to see that we have proper British representatives on the subcommittee of U.N.E.S.C.O. which is to deal with this important work—proper in the sense that they subscribe to British traditions and to our national Christian religion?

Miss Horsbrugh

The appointments to this Committee were made before I had any responsibility for them. If there are any changes, and if I am asked in any way to advise, I will certainly advise having in mind the point of view which my hon. and gallant Friend has put.

Mr. Tomlinson

Would the right hon. Lady say whether, among the personnel who have been nominated, she considers that anybody differs from what has been suggested?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think there is a difference of opinion on this matter. I said that if I were asked to advise—and I do not think I shall be asked to do so—I should take into consideration the type of person I believe the British people would like to see on this body. It is not for me to criticise those who have been put on it by many nations with different outlooks. That is not my job.