§ Mr. E. Rowlandsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many colleges of education now include in their curriculum specific courses in teacher training of Commonwealth children; and how many include specific courses on teaching against race prejudice among British children;
(2) whether he is satisfied with the speed and effectiveness of teachers and lecturers at colleges of education in dealing with the problem of educating British children not to be racially prejudiced; and what further action he proposes to take;
(3) what proportion of teachers and lecturers at colleges of education have attended conferences and courses on the educating of Commonwealth children;
(4) what proportion of teachers and lecturers at colleges of education have attended at courses and conferences on the educating of British children against race prejudice.
§ Miss BaconAbout one-third of the Colleges of Education are known to be relating problems of immigrant children to the broader issues of living in a multiracial society, usually as part of education courses. A survey at the end of 1966 showed that about 15 per cent. were organising specific courses. Exact statistics are not available but it was estimated that in 1966–67 over 2,500 teachers and lecturers in colleges of education attended conferences or courses234W dealing with the problems of immigrant children and racial issues. Two national conferences have been held on "Immigration and the Education of Teachers" and a third is planned for January 1969 which will review the progress made. The problem needs the continuing energetic attention of all concerned with the education and employment of teachers and I will, in the light of the findings of the conference next year, consider further what additional steps are needed.
§ Mr. E. Rowlandsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the result so far of the work of the education panel of the National Committee for Commonwealth Immigrants.
§ Miss BaconThe Committee is an independent body. The work of the education panel is described in the Committee's annual report for 1967.