§ 43. Mr. Wadeasked the Minister of Education what steps he is taking to encourage the use of, and aid the production of, educational films and, in particular, films which will assist the teaching of science in schools.
§ Sir D. EcclesI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 17th February to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Warbey). I cannot add to that until I have had my discussion with representatives of the local education authorities.
§ Mr. WadeIs the Minister aware that at present, owing to lack of funds, no educational films are being made and that in this respect this country compares unfavourably with a number of other countries? Is he aware that if a grant were made to the Educational Foundation for Visual Aids it would enable films to be produced which would be of considerable advantage to, and play an important part in, educational work?
§ Sir D. EcclesI think that this must be talked over with the local education authorities to see whether they consider that this is a teaching aid of which they should bear part of the cost. The hon. Gentleman may know that there is by no means unanimous opinion on whether these films are really an aid to teaching or not.