§ 17. Mr. Mayhewasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many filmed programmes are now available for the teaching of English by television overseas.
§ Mr. MayhewIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an enormous future market in programmes of this kind? Does he realise that it is not only that the programmes are in the English language but that the content and presentation are British which gives us a great opportunity? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have made a very slow start, and will he give more priority to this matter?
§ Dr. HillI concur in the first part of the hon. Gentleman's remarks. We are, however, in an experimental phase. A number of films have been made—five for the British Council and a number for the B.B.C. We are not yet satisfied that the proper technique has been evolved for the teaching of English as a foreign language, but once this experimental phase is over and the lines are laid down, I agree with the hon. Gentleman that we may go ahead.
§ Mr. MayhewWhile agreeing with the right hon. Gentleman that, having seen some of these programmes, they are bad, may I ask him whether he is aware that this has been going on for many months and that the Americans are making great strides in this field?
§ Dr. HillThe American films are for home consumption for immigrant populations. We are aware of them. It is important, however, to get this investigation phase properly done before we launch out into something larger.