§ 37. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what study he has made of the report of the Schools Council, a copy of which has been sent to him, stating that it would be unwise to encourage the expansion of the teaching of Chinese at the present time; and what is his policy in this matter.
§ Miss BaconThe Schools Council have not reported on this subject. The view of one of their sub-committees, as reported in the First Report of the Committee on Research and Development in Modern Languages, is that it would be unwise to encourage the expansion of the teaching of Chinese in schools at the present time. The Report recommends the establishment of an Inter-Universities Chinese Language School as a single centre for the training of undergraduates in their first year. I understand that this suggestion is being energetically pursued.
§ Mr. DalyellAlthough no one believes that the teaching of Chinese is the greatest priority facing my right hon. Friend, may we be assured that the momentum which began in 1964 and 1965 is being continued?
§ Miss BaconAs I have said, there will be some progress with regard to the Inter - University Chinese Language School, but I cannot assure my hon. Friend, for practical reasons—for one thing, the supply of teachers—of our being able to do anything in the schools.