HC Deb 18 February 1926 vol 191 c2156W
Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the President of the Board of Education to what extent the history, geography, and possibilities of the British Empire is taught in the primary and secondary schools of the country?

Duchess of ATHOLL

Both the Code and the volume of "Suggestions to Teachers" specifically provide for the inclusion in the geography and history lessons of instruction in the geography and history of the British Empire. My right hon. Friend understands that, in fact, such instruction is very generally given, and that the Wembley Exhibition, and the "Weekly Bulletins" published in connection with it., added a stimulus to the study of the subject. As regards secondary schools, he has every reason to believe that the importance of a knowledge of the history and development of the Empire is fully recognised by the school authorities who, as my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, have a wide discretion in framing the syllabuses of instruction.