§ 19. Mrs. Whiteasked the Minister of Education what steps are to be taken to implement the main proposals in the Annan Report.
§ Sir D. EcclesMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I accept the Report's main conclusion that more Russian should be taught in schools and technical colleges. The immediate need is to provide more teachers and, as I told my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond, Surrey (Mr. A. Royle) on 6th June, I have already arranged for a pilot course to be started in the autumn. We are studying the other recommendations in the Report in the light of comments now being made by teachers and others.
§ Mrs. WhiteWould the right hon. Gentleman agree that, as there are fewer than 250 pupils in the United Kingdom taking Russian at A level, urgent action is required if we are to keep pace with Russian advances in technology and science?
§ Sir D. EcclesI agree, but the problem goes back to getting enough Russian teachers.