HC Deb 25 June 1959 vol 607 cc1384-5
35. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Education what advice he is giving to local education authorities with regard to changes in school curricula as a consequence of the abolition of Latin as a compulsory subject for the entrance examination to certain universities.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I understand that one of the two universities concerned has recently reached a decision on this matter, but I see no reason on that account to give advice to local education authorities.

Mr. Edelman

Whatever the universities decide, will the Minister give every encouragement to the study of Latin, which is at the heart of Western civilisation? Is it not one of the difficulties of the Russians that few of them learn Latin?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not want to embark on the broad question and I think it is important that, as Minister of Education, I should not air my personal views on this matter.