§ Sir R. Russellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an account of the work done by the Centre for Educational Development Overseas during 1970–71; and what is the Centre's programme for 1971–72.
§ Mr. WoodThe Centre for Educational Development Overseas was set up up 1st April, 1970, by amalgamating the Centre for Educational Television Overseas, the Centre for Curriculum Renewal and Educational Development Overseas and the Overseas Visual Aid Centre. The Centre is continuing, expanding and integrating the work undertaken by the three previous bodies.
During 1970–71 its officers visited many developing countries to advise on curriculum development and educational technology and to assist and review current projects. Consultancies were also undertaken for U.N.I.C.E.F. and F.A.O. The Centre conducted 23 courses in the United Kingdom in the use of audiovisual aids to education and educational television and radio, as well as some courses overseas. During the year it 151W expanded its educational broadcasting activities to include radio broadcasting.
During 1971–72 the Centre will continue to develop its existing range of activities and will also extend them into the important field of teacher education. It will launch a new journal, "Educational Resources International", which will deal with audio visual aids and curriculum development.
Its estimated expenditure in 1970–71 was about £360,000 and in 1971–72 is about £475,000.