§ Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Education (1) how far the arrangements have progressed with the United States authorities for the exchange of school teachers for September 1946; and whether she will assume responsibility for some portion of the travelling expenses in order to encourage more men teachers to volunteer for this work
(2) how many school teachers it is pro posed to exchange with the U.S.A. under the auspices of the English-Speaking Union; how far the preparations have gone; and what arc the financial arrangements.
§ Miss WilkinsonI understand that on the initiative of the United States Government a committee has been set up there which will correspond with the committee at work in this country under the auspices of the Engilsh-Speaking Union. Preparations on this side are well advanced and more than 200 applications have been received for exchanges next autumn. I am considering a request from the English-Speaking Union for a grant to wards the cost of administering the scheme. The financial arrangements, so far as they concern the teachers, are indicated in the leaflet, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. As regards the travelling expenses of teachers who apply for exchanges, it has not been the practice of my Department to assume any responsibility, but I am examining this question.