§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government on the matter of migration to the Dominions whether, in view of the recent statement by the Prime Minister, 950 they are now prepared to consider for the last year of school attendance some additional special education on the structure of the Commonwealth and the opportunities offering for life in the Dominions.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)My Lords, in secondary schools, and not only in the final year, the Commonwealth is usually studied in courses of geography, history and current affairs. In some schools special self-contained courses dealing with the Commonwealth are provided in what is expected to be the pupil's last year at school. It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to give such help as they can in this matter, while leaving the schools free to plan their work in their own way. The Ministry of Education organises refresher courses on Commonwealth topics for teachers every year, and the schools are also helped by agencies such as the Imperial Institute and the Royal Empire Society, and by the scheme of teacher-interchange.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, arising out of that reply, which appeared to deal more with opportunities for additional education on the Commonwealth than with opportunities offered for life in the Dominions, may I ask the noble Lord whether he would make recommendations in the proper quarter that, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Relations Office, an attempt should be made to ensure that opportunities of life in the Commonwealth should always be brought before children, who in that way would in the future think of the possibilities of migration?
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, my noble friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations is sitting on the Bench, and I feel sure he has heard what my noble friend has said.