HC Deb 23 July 1946 vol 425 cc335-6W
121. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent lectures and educational courses on civics and social questions are now taking place in B.A.O.R. and other commands; and whether this type of education is compulsory.

Mr. Lawson

Education in civics and social questions is given in B.A.O.R. and other commands by means of discussions on current affairs, including social questions; instruction in citizenship; lectures by civilian lecturers, including lecturers sent on short tours of overseas commands; classes in history, geography, economics, home and health and other social subjects; correspondence courses; short courses, including courses for discussion group leaders and instructors in citizenship; residential courses of a month's duration in social subjects at formation colleges; the Forces educational broadcasts, films, exhibitions, and dramatisations of current affairs; organised visits to places of civic and social interest; information rooms, which include material on civic and social questions.

It is laid down that one hour a week during training or working time will be devoted to discussions on current affairs and one hour a week to instruction in citizenship, but this is often not possible in units having heavy operational or other military commitments.