§ 17. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Education whether he will bring to the attention of all schools the book entitled "Race Prejudice and Education," sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, in order to assist in the education of children in the principles of racial integration and to encourage more teaching of the nature and significance of the new Commonwealth.
§ The Minister of Education (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)I welcome the appearance of a book dealing objectively with this important question, but it would be a departure from long-established practice if I were to recommend a particular book for use in schools.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWhilst I understand that, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he would agree that it is very important to encourage wider teaching about the problems of race relations? Could not the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity to encourage the establishment of some summer course for teachers, or other schemes of that nature, which would enable the work represented by a book of this sort to be brought to the attention of teachers?
§ Mr. LloydI will certainly consider that, but I am advised by Her Majesty's inspectors that teachers are already doing a good job in teaching on this important question.
§ Mr. BlackburnWill not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is no racialism amongst small children and that it is not necessary to call attention to it?
§ Mr. LloydI agree. In visiting schools I have been struck by the truth of what the hon. Member has said, but I think that it is still also a fact that the wider question in its more historical aspects is worthy of some attention in the curriculum.