§ 12. Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teacher-training colleges in Great Britain provide studies in social anthropology; what is the proportion of time 1459 in various curricula programmes devoted to such studies in the three-year training periods; and which are the colleges making such provision.
§ Mr. PrenticeMain courses in social anthropology are not provided at colleges in Great Britain, but there will generally be some study in this field within a student's course in the theory and practice of education. The importance of sociological studies generally as an element in the teacher training courses is being increasingly recognised.
§ Mr. FreesonDoes not the Minister agree that it is regrettable that so many people should go from colleges as accredited teachers without having sufficient training in the scientific aspects of this matter? Would he agree that it is important to introduce instruction in the current racial factors involved in race relations and that this would be a positive contribution to the kind of approach stated to the House by the Prime Minister only a few days ago?
§ Mr. PrenticeI note the point made by my hon. Friend. He will probably agree that most courses in the colleges are more likely to be on subjects which are directly related to teaching in schools, and this is the aspect referred to in my main answer which will be drawn to his attention.