HC Deb 05 July 1983 vol 45 cc146-7
16. Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans for a central core curriculum for teaching of history.

Sir Keith Joseph

No, Sir.

Mr. Rooker

Does the Secretary of State agree that if there were an attempt at a common core curriculum concentrating on Britain's imperial past there would be a requirement, in honesty, to ensure coverage of the period when Britain exploited human and material resources in many parts of the world?

Sir Keith Joseph

There is far more good to be said about British history than the hon. Gentleman evidently thinks. Ministers have simply said that, in their view, one of the aims of the history syllabus is to transmit an understanding and knowledge of British cultural, social, political and economic history. Ministers have also said that some examinations should include questions on British history. Does the hon. Gentleman disagree with that, as it seems a most obvious necessity to me?

Mr. Rooker

Can I answer that question?

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