§ 23. Mr. Jannerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that only about two per cent. of all science graduates in Great Britain have even a slight knowledge of Russian; and whether he will increase the facilities for teaching that language so as to provide an adequate preparation for life for scientists in modern circumstances.
Mr. AmoryIt is true that relatively few science graduates have a knowledge of Russian. The curricula of university courses are a matter for the universities. They are conscious of the need for Russian courses suitable for scientists and 200 I understand that an increasing number of these is being provided.
§ Mr. JannerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very few secondary schools have facilities for the teaching of Russian and that the New Scientist has described the present position by saying that the number of secondary schools which offer the teaching of Russian is ridiculously small? Does not that mean that scientists of standing have to spend a considerable amount of time in learning Russian to be able to cope with various publications? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he ought to give some encouragement by giving grants, and do something about increasing the teaching of Russian so that these people will not be at a disadvantage later on?
Mr. AmoryThe hon. Gentleman ought to refer any questions concerning secondary schools to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education. I understand that there will shortly be courses at most of the major universities and at quite a number of the technical colleges, too. The supply of teachers can expand only gradually, but the universities will make every effort to ensure that the supply of teachers is expanded and that the number of courses is expanded as far as possible to meet any increasing demand.