§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from the Association of Teachers of Russian, Scottish Branch, regarding the teaching of Russian in comprehensive schools; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reply he has sent to the letter of 20th November from the Scottish Branch of the Association of Teachers of Russian asking for further facilities by his Department for the teaching of the Russian language; and what steps he plans to take in that direction on the recommendations of the Annan Committee Report 1962.
§ Mr. RossI have received representations from the Scottish Branch of the Association of the Teachers of Russian about the teaching of languages in comprehensive schools. The Association fears that French will be the only language taught in the early years of comprehensive schools. I have told the Association that it is not my view that the only foreign language to be taught in the first two years of the school course should be French. My Department will continue to do what it can to encourage the teaching of Russian.