§ 25. Mr. Proudfootasked the Minister of Education what estimate he has made of the reduction in the time needed to teach mathematics which would follow from the adoption of decimal currency in the United Kingdom, now being considered by Her Majesty's Government.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe available evidence suggests that decimal money sums may well be quicker to teach than sums using our present currency but I can give no useful estimate of how much quicker.
§ Mr. ProudfootIs my right hon. Friend aware of the report of the British Chambers of Commerce and the Association for the Advancement of Science which suggests that a saving of time of between 10 and 20 per cent. in the age group between 7 and 11 years would be achieved? Would not this help him in regard to the size of classes and the shortage of teachers?
§ Sir D. EcclesMy hon. Friend is on a very good point. As a matter of fact, the evidence differs and the Australian Government were unable to make any estimate. I cannot help thinking that it would be easier to work in decimal figures.