§ 5. Mr. Boydenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps she is taking to overcome the shortage of graduate teachers of French.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeIn 1970–71, 647 graduates took courses in French in their professional training as compared with 417 the previous year. The current figure is likely to be still higher.
Information about particular shortages is included in my Department's normal publicity.
§ Mr. BoydenWill the Secretary of State and the Under-Secretary do a little more to encourage more British students in French-speaking countries to read for honours degrees in French? For example, will the hon. Gentleman and the right hon. Lady take a little more interest in the British section of the International Lycée at St. Germain-en-Laye, about which I have written to the hon. Gentleman? Some constructive ideas in this field would be very helpful in increasing the number of students who come forward to take degrees in French.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThat is a little wide of the Question, but I well know the hon. Gentleman's concern for this school. I must limit myself today to reminding the hon. Gentleman, as I have in correspondence, that Parliament has not empowered my Department to spend money in this way outside the United Kingdom.