HC Deb 22 June 1959 vol 607 cc835-6
2. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to set up an advisory body equipped to promote educational television in African and Asian countries as part of the United Kingdom overseas broadcasting services.

Dr. Hill

Although I do not think that an advisory body is necessary, a good deal is being done to provide television stations with educational and other material.

Mr. Thomson

In view of the tremendous educational drive in the African territories and the great shortage of teachers, is the Minister aware that educational television is likely to play an increasingly important rôle? Will he make every effort to ensure that the British Government are in at the beginning of the tremendous operation and give all the assistance that they can?

Dr. Hill

I am aware of the problem, but at the moment there is only one television station on the Continent of Africa, and that is in Algeria. Other stations are in contemplation in Ghana and Nigeria. I am fully alive to the problem. It may interest the hon. Member to know that pilot work of teaching English by television is being undertaken by the British Council.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Would the Minister bear in mind that with the object of disseminating as widely as possible in the next few years British ideas, culture, and way of life, wireless and television will be just as important as the wider distribution of books? Will the Minister see that the schemes are dovetailed and co-ordinated?

Dr. Hill

I would not venture into a comparison of the comparative value of the printed word and the visual image, but I am aware of the great and growing importance of television as a medium for British ideas.