§ 13. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Education what further arrangements he is making for teaching more European languages in schools in view of the possibility of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community.
§ Sir D. EcclesIn reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Robert Cooke) on 30th November, 1961, I gave information about progress in this important matter. I have now asked the Curriculum Study Group in my Department to advise me on ways in which language teaching might be further developed.
§ Mr. RidleyWould not my right hon. Friend agree that we are one of the most insular nations from the point of view of learning foreign languages? Would not he further agree that if we are to join with Europe it is essential that we should be able to understand more of what is said on the Continent? Will he give consideration to pursuing this matter in his Department and announce plans in the near future?
§ Sir D. EcclesI will certainly do that. But of course it has been the tradition that other people learn English which has handicapped us to some extent.
§ Mr. ShinwellWould not it be an excellent idea to attempt to teach some of the right hon. Gentleman's hon. Friends on the back benches opposite something more of the provisions of the Rome Treaty and the adverse repercussions on our economy if we enter the Common Market?
§ Sir D. EcclesI cannot agree. I think that great opportunities would open up.
§ Mr. RankinAre we going in?