HC Deb 06 February 1969 vol 777 cc561-2
12. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what machinery exists for co-ordination between his Department and the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales in the use of the television media as an educational aid to schools.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The National Council for Educational Technology was set up in 1967 by the Secretaries of State for Education and Science and for Scotland. The Council which provides machinery for co-ordination of views about overall development of television for schools as a part of its concern with educational technology as a whole, draws its members from all parts of the United Kingdom. The H.M. Inspectors of Schools from Scotland, Wales and England are associated with the Council and also serve on advisory committees established by the broadcasting authorities.

Mr. Eadie

I agree with my hon. Friend that a great deal of information has been provided on the subject, but will she not agree, in the light of practical experience, that further information should be given, providing details of systems that have proved both technically and economically satisfactory for use of the medium?

Mrs. Williams

I agree, and I would add that south of the Border there is a great deal of interest taken in the Glasgow experiment in closed-circuit television. It may be that in this respect Glasgow is giving us all a lead.

Mr. Gwynfor Evans

Is the hon. Lady aware of the immense potential of television in Welsh schools as a Welsh language medium? Will she do everything in her power to ensure the most extensive use of television in schools in the Welsh language?

Mrs. Williams

I am sure that my hon. Friend knows about the special Schools Broadcasting Council for Wales. I understand that a great deal of attention has been given to broadcasts in the Welsh language by that body.

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