§ 7. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Education what plans he has for adapting general education in primary schools to take the fullest advantage of the proposed increase in technical education at higher levels.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe recent White Paper on Technical Education recognises that the success of the technical colleges rests squarely on the quality of education in both the primary and the secondary schools. I am concerned to ensure that the primary schools give a good grounding in mathematics and English, and I am confident that teachers appreciate the importance of this.
§ Mr. FletcherMay I take it that the Minister really realises that if he is to make a success of his plans for improving the status and scale of technical education, there must be a change in emphasis in all education in primary schools and upwards?
§ Sir D. EcclesI think that the White Paper does recognise that good preparation in the schools is essential to success in taking courses in the technical colleges. It is a general education that is required so that specialisation can come later.