§ 13. Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Minister of Education, in view of the possibility of 'the United Kingdom joining the Common Market, what steps he is taking to improve the teaching of European languages in schools.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe numbers of children passing the G.C.E. in French and German at both Ordinary and Advanced level are steadily increasing. Spanish and Italian show the same trend though the numbers are smaller. Many secondary modern schools have begun to teach a European language. I am sending my hon. Friend further details of the various schemes in which my Department is taking part.
§ Mr. CookeIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that sufficient emphasis is laid on the practical use of the languages, and that the teaching is not of too academic a nature?
§ Sir D. EcclesThat is a question which is exercising us.
§ Mr. W. YatesWill my right hon. Friend be kind enough to consider issuing a circular to all the local authorities concerned drawing their attention to the problems involved when we enter the Common Market and our need for European foreign languages?
§ Sir D. EcclesThat is a very large task to which I shall have to give careful thought.
§ Mr. WalkerAs we are members of the Commonwealth, does my hon. Friend agree that if there is to be increase in facilities for teaching foreign languages it would be a pretty good idea to give some priority to the teaching of African and Asian languages?
§ Sir D. EcclesThis is a laudable idea, but I believe rather difficult to put into practice.