§ 25. Mr. R. Edwardsasked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that 8,000 State schools are to receive supplies of Teachers' Notes and literature called, "The Stock Exchange: How it Works"; why, in view of the fact that these documents will have the effect of encouraging gambling among schoolchildren, he has permitted their distribution; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir: the Stock Exchange is an important institution which is essential to the efficient investment of capital in a mixed economy. I see advantages in learning the facts about the way it works.
§ Mr. EdwardsWould the Minister not agree that the heavy curricula of our schools ought not to be cluttered up with this cheap, free enterprise propaganda? Is the Minister not aware that thousands of hard-working parents who produce the real wealth of the country take a very poor view of the suggestion that one can get rich without working? Will the Minister give similar facilities to worthier institutions, like building societies, trustee savings banks and the Co-operative Movement if he is interested in savings?
§ Sir D. EcclesSince the hon. Member and I were at school there have been changes in the curriculum. He may perhaps not know that stocks and shares are a normal part of a mathematics course. He may also not know that quite a number of parents are interested in pools, which are, after all, another form.