HC Deb 25 October 1962 vol 664 cc223-4W
Mr. Boyden

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what study he has made towards improving the teaching of Oriental, Slavonic, Eastern European and African studies; and to what extent these fall within the university and school fields, respectively.

Mr. Barber

Apart from the teaching of Russian, about which the hon. Member has other Questions on the Order Paper, I understand that these subjects do not form part of the normal school curriculum. Developments in the universities in the fields of Oriental, Slavonic, East European and African studies were considered by a Sub-Committee of the University Grants Committee under the Chairmanship of Sir William Hayter, which reported in 1961. The Sub-Committee's recommendations were accepted and, as has already been announced, ear-marked grants amounting to over £1 million to finance the developments recommended by the Sub-Committee are being included in the recurrent Exchequer grants to the universities during the present quinquennium.