HC Deb 28 July 1960 vol 627 c1852
29. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Eudcation how many local education authorities provide their schools with tape recorders for the purpose of speech training.

Sir D. Eccles

Quite a number of schools have tape recorders, but to find out how many I should have to make special inquiries of local education authorities. I would not in any way discourage the provision of tape recorders if authorities are satisfied that they are worth the expense.

Mr. Smith

Would my right hon. Friend agree that tape recorders, when properly used, can provide a valuable means of teaching children correct pronunciation and spoken grammar? Will he consider circulating various local education authorities to get them to provide tape recorders in suitable schools?

Sir D. Eccles

I think that it is better to leave it to local authorities to make experiments with these new aids.