§ 4. Mr. Smithersasked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that the standard of literacy amongst students entering the university is not satisfactory; whether he is satisfied with the present methods of teaching English in schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir D. EcclesI have noted various criticisms that have been made. Although the standard of English teaching is first-class in many secondary schools, I am anxious that good plain English should be more thoroughly taught and widely used than it is. My Department is giving the schools all the help it can and as an example of this I am sending my hon. Friend a pamphlet issued last year on the teaching of English.
§ Mr. SmithersI am much obliged.
§ Dr. KingIs the Minister aware that the last thing that British educational opinion would want would be the prescribing of teaching methods by a Minister?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am well aware of that.