HC Deb 27 March 1962 vol 656 cc1007-8
35. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what progress has now been made in producing television films for teaching English overseas.

Mr. Vosper

The British Council's experimental work has gone far enough to show that the main need is now financial. The 1962–63 Estimates do not make the substantial provision which might be involved, but experimental work is continuing, and I propose to consult further with the interested bodies.

Mr. Mayhew

A great deal of time has been spent in producing far too few films of very inferior quality. Will the right hon. Gentleman make quite sure that there are not too many authorities in this work and knock together the heads of those concerned to get some progress?

Mr. Vosper

It is true that some of the material produced has been of unsatisfactory quality. I have said that I propose to consult further with the interested bodies and I propose to bring them together to see whether we can make more progress in what I regard as an important field.