HC Deb 18 July 1957 vol 573 c1323
20. Mr. Moyle

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education what steps he is taking to encourage the provision of facilities for teachers and students for the study of comparative education in English-speaking countries and in the Commonwealth particularly; and if he will make a statement.

Sir E. Boyle

Comparative education is primarily a field of university study at the post-graduate level and any question of developing it is a matter for the university authorities.

Mr. Moyle

In connection with this idea, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary, in conjunction with his noble Friend, to use what influence they have to foster the idea by establishing a centre here for the study of comparative education, particularly in the Commonwealth, with a view to strengthening Commonwealth ties within this cultural field, and also replenishing our stock of educational ideas from Commonwealth sources?

Sir E. Boyle

It is worth remembering that about 200 teachers each year go from the United Kingdom on exchange to Commonwealth countries and the United States, under arrangements sponsored, and to a considerable extent financed, by my Department, and they thus have direct experience of education in those countries.