§ 9. Dr. Strossasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education whether he will have made a film suitable for showing to school children at an appropriate age and to all school leavers, which will advise them of the dangers of smoking to health.
§ Sir E. BoyleNo, Sir.
§ Dr. StrossI wonder why we have had such an Answer? Is it not apparent that the Ministry has issued instructions to school teachers enabling them to read an article in the particular textbook to which I am referring, so that they can warn children? If this is sincerely meant, why not a visual aid, in view of the importance of the disease which we are discussing?
§ Sir E. BoyleI understand that a film of this kind has been made in the United States, but I rather doubt if it would be acceptable as suitable for showing to school children in this country.
§ Mr. HastingsHas the Parliamentary Secretary seen the film to which lie has referred? It is a most realistic film, in Technicolor, which upset many Members of this House.
§ Sir E. BoyleI have not seen the film, but if it is realistic and in Technicolor, I will take an opportunity to do so.
§ Mr. M. StewartCould not the Parliamentary Secretary take a slightly less negative attitude about this? Even if there is something in it which makes this film unsuitable, cannot the Ministry consider positively what it can do on this question?
§ Sir E. BoyleI am sure that my noble Friend will take note of the point made by the hon. Member. I think that the approach to that topic in the Department's Handbook on Health Education 1288 shows the lines on which we are thinking, but certainly I take note of what the hon. Member has said.