§ 79. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Education what staff in his Department are engaged in research on education; and what matters are at present being examined.
§ Sir D. EcclesOfficers of my Department and, in particular, members of Her Majesty's Inspectorate and of the Building Development Group, carry out a wide range of investigations, often in association with my Advisory Councils. Subjects74W under investigation at present include the education of pupils between the ages of 13 and 16 of less than average ability, through the Central Advisory Council for England; the design of premises for the Youth Service; the design of secondary schools to meet the needs of the 1970s; the improvement of methods of teaching and examining. I regard it as my primary task to encourage and stimulate research in schools and colleges, and by such bodies as the Building Research Station and the National Foundation for Educational Research (Which I grant-aid). I am now establishing a new branch in the Department to give added impetus to this work.