HC Deb 28 January 1954 vol 522 cc1947-8
22. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Minister of Education whether she has now considered the views on commercial television expressed by the National Union of Teachers, the Workers' Educational Association, the Association of Education Committees, the Workers' Educational Trade Union Committee, the Education Committee of the London County Council, the National Adult School Union, the National Union of Women Teachers, the British Federation of University Women and the vice-chancellors of 14 universities, which have been sent to her; and whether she will make a statement as to her consultations with educational authorities and representatives of parents and teachers on this subject

Miss Horsbrugh

I have received copies of the resolutions passed by six of these bodies: one of them, the Association of Education Committees, brought their resolution to my notice among other matters at an interview I had with them last October. I have noted their views and also those expressed by the other bodies about whom the hon. Member wrote to me on Tuesday. No representatives of parents or teachers have asked me to see them on this subject.

Mr. Mayhew

Is the Minister aware that in her attitude to commercial television she is strongly opposed by practically the entire educational world, and will she give an assurance that at least so far as the children's television programmes are concerned these will not be commercialised under any circumstances?

Miss Horsbrugh

I am sure the hon. Gentleman will realise that the control of the Ministry of Education is limited to control of the schools.