§ 13. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Education to what extent the use of radio and television programmes has increased in schools; what assessment has been made of their value either as a partial substitute or as a complement to normal class lessons; and to what extent consultation takes place with the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Authority in respect of suitable programmes presented for the assistance of teachers.
§ Sir D. EcclesI am informed that since regular television programmes to schools started in 1957 the number of sets in schools has risen to about 2,500. In the same period the number of radio sets has remained steady at about 29,000. The usefulness of radio programmes is well established and television broadcasts show promise. It is too soon for a full assessment of the part which television can play in the schools and I am watching these developments with interest. My Department is represented on the advisory bodies of the B.B.C. and Associated Rediffusion.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's Department has made any kind of careful inquiry about the merits of this device in assisting education and whether some dubiety has arisen in recent months about it?
§ Sir D. EcclesAll the time Her Majesty's inspectors are sending us reports and we are carefully looking at and collating that information.