University of the Air

HC Deb 01 July 1965 vol 715 cc808-9

24. Mr. Chataway

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he proposes to initiate a University of the Air.

Miss Jennie Lee

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Chataway

Will the hon. Lady say whether there is any support in the education world for this proposal for a new university, with its own vice-chancellor and staff, operating by television? If not, does not the hon. Lady feel that the Ministry ought now to concentrate on more sensible schemes for harnessing television, and particularly closed circuit television, to education? Has not the time come to inter this idea, which is just another of the Prime Minister's gimmicks in origin?

Miss Lee

I can inform the hon. Member that it has considerable support in educational circles, particularly when a lot of the misinformation and prejudices are cleared away from this subject. There is no departure at all from the statement by the present Prime Minister when in Opposition in the bracing air of Glasgow. He said in 1963 that we intended to work out a system integrating television, radio and correspondence courses with examination discipline and under the guidance of the best of our leaders in higher education. We are hard at work on the details of this scheme.

Mr. Snow

Is the Minister aware that what she said will commend itself very much to this side of the House? Is there any good reason why we should fall behind the United States of America in this matter?