HC Deb 22 June 1982 vol 26 cc145-7
13. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if any consideration has been given to including the study of politics within the framework for the school curriculum; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Boyson

Political facts and values cannot and should not be excluded from parts of the school curriculum, such as history, geography or indeed English literature. But in this area of the curriculum, as in all others, what is offered must be education, not indoctrination.

Mr. Greenway

I welcome my hon. Friend's reply, indicating that it is inevitable that there will be political education in schools. Does he agree that the teaching profession has the integrity to achieve a balance in this area on most occasions? However, is he aware of a new subject that is creeping in under the guise of political education called "peace studies", which is causing immense concern to parents because in some areas it is unadulterated unilateralism and pacifism? Will he do something about it?

Dr. Boyson

I share my hon. Friend's belief that the vast majority of teachers are professionals who go into the classroom to teach as fairly as possible without any doctrine. At the same time, I share his concern about the growth of peace—or, rather, appeasement—studies, because that is basically what they are. Purely by accident I have with me the syllabus from Avon, which suggests that "violent systems" include: capitalism, Communism, Fascism, imperialism, totalitarian-ism, institutional injustice". There is no mention of Socialism and the problems that that causes, or even of nationalism.

Mrs. Renée Short

Notwithstanding the Minister's reply, does he not agree that as young people are able to vote, many of them before they leave school, it is high time that we had a properly structured course in politics? I am not talking about party political indoctrination. Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that young people need to know how the country is governed, how the Government works, what Parliament's responsibilities are and what their duties as citizens are?

Dr. Boyson

The hon. Lady obviously feels strongly about this matter. I always thought that in the teaching of history one indicated the growth of democracy in Britain, both nationally and locally. That was part of the history syllabus that was taught in schools with which I was connected. Similarly, there are subjects, such as British constitution and economics. However, there should not be a separate subject concerned simply with advocating unilateral disarmament in Britain.

Mr. Beith

Is it not the case that for years teachers have, with various subjects, sought to give children an understanding of how our political system works? Should we not in a democracy be at least as concerned as authoritarian countries to pass on the values upon which our system depends?

Dr. Boyson

It was because of the Government's belief in a genuine participatory democracy that we passed the Education Act 1980, which gave parents a choice of schools. That is what real participation means. The Act also introduced an appeals system. I welcome the fact that I have the hon. Gentleman's support in this regard.

Mr. Haselhurst

Is there not a danger of the development of a wholly bizarre approach to political education, including such things as peace studies, unless there is a proper, thoughtful approach to political education with the help of such bodies as the Hansard Society?

Dr. Boyson

I welcome my hon. Friend's sound and fair comments. I again quote from the Avon syllabus, which in the section headed "Bookstalls and relevant literature" states: Books, leaflets, posters and any available teaching materials related to the field of peace education will be on sale. In addition, it is hoped to stock appropriate badges, car stickers, postcards, envelope labels and the like". That would make schools look like a Labour Party rally in Trafalgar Square on a wet Sunday afternoon.

Mr. Kinnock

When the hon. Gentleman taught the history of democracy in Britain I hope that he was vigilant in his accuracy and described it as a series of historic defeats for Toryism. If the hon. Gentleman has so much confidence in the teaching profession, why does he incessantly go up and down the country seeking to convey the impression that there is a large number of irresponsible teachers seeking to indoctrinate our children—a practice which we would strongly deplore? Why does the hon. Gentleman seem to give the impression that he thinks politics, like sex, is best learnt on street corners?

Dr. Boyson

I take only one of the variety of points raised by the hon. Gentleman—the teaching profession. Earlier, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway), I said that the vast majority of teachers were professionals. This question has been raised not just by the members of the Conservative Party but by others, because of parental and teacher concern about what is going on in many of our schools, so that we do not have indoctrination but rather the proper teaching of democracy, which both the hon. Gentleman and I want.