§ LORD GLYNasked Her Majesty's Government what steps have been taken during recent years to produce scientific films for the special purpose of assisting in the education of science specialists: what grants have been made to the Educational Foundation for Visual Aids, set up by the Ministry of Education in 1948 for such purposes; and whether, in view of the vital importance of increasing the available number of science teachers, arrangements can be made to review at an early date all questions relating to the production of scientific films for teaching in schools, with a view to accelerating their effective production.
360WA
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (VISCOUNT WOOLTON)Since it was set up in 1948, the Educational Foundation for Visual Aids has received repayable advances to the amount of £125,000 out of the funds carried on the vote of the Ministry of Education, to provide it with working capital. The Foundation recently decided to arrange for the production of a new series of "advanced science" films intended for the use of Sixth Form pupils in Grammar schools and students taking similar courses in Technical Colleges. The first four of these films are now available and two more are being produced. They have been financed in part by means of financial assistance from industrial firms. My right honourable friend the Minister of Education recently discussed with the Governors of the Foundation the difficulties they are experiencing in securing a steady flow of new production. He has since invited representatives of the local education authorities to discuss with him the whole question of the supply of films, including scientific films, for use in schools.
House adjourned at twenty-three minutes past seven o'clock.