HC Deb 28 November 1957 vol 578 cc1265-6
28. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Education whether he will remove the financial restrictions on adult education imposed by his Department in March, 1957.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

No, Sir, not in present circumstances.

Mr. Stewart

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the wise and splendid words written on this subject by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) when an earlier attack was launched by this Government on adult education, when he said: There is perhaps no branch of our vast educational system which should more attract within its particular sphere the aid and encouragement of the State than adult education…. The appetite of adults to be shown the foundations and processes of thought"—

Hon. Members

Speech.

Mr. Stewart

—"will never be denied by a British Administration cherishing the continuity of our island life.

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is quite enough. The hon. Member should give us his own views rather than the views of someone else.

Mr. Stewart

With respect, Mr. Speaker, I thought I might legitimately quote from an example of what the same right hon. Gentleman calls, in a part I have refrained from quoting, "the ever-conquering English language." I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether or not he wishes to cherish the continuity of our island life in the way recommended by his right hon. Friend.

Mr. Lloyd

Certainly. Sir; but in view of what the hon. Gentleman has said, it is remarkable that there was not much greater financial provision made by himself and his right hon. and hon. Friends than by the present Government.

Mr. Nabarro

Rub it in. A very polished performance.