HC Deb 26 June 1925 vol 185 c1887W
Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the President of the Board of Education to what extent, if any, languages other than our own are taught in the elementary schools of England and Scotland, and whether he can see his way to recommend the teaching of at least one foreign language in these schools, or, as an alternative, Esperanto?

Lord E. PERCY

So far as England is concerned, I may refer the hon. Member to the first part of the reply given by me on 5th March last to my hon. Friend the Member for Acton (Sir Harry Brittain), a copy of which I am sending him. As regards the second part of the question, I hope that with improved arrangements for advanced instruction more opportunity may arise for the inclusion of a modern language in the curriculum of schools capable of giving such instruction. As to the arrangements in Scotland, I must ask the hon. Member to address his inquiries to my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland.