HC Deb 23 May 1978 vol 950 c488W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is her policy towards the teaching of Japanese in British schools; what information she has concerning the offer by the Japanese Government of tax-free salaries of about £7,500 a year and return air fares to Japan to British teachers willing to teach English in Japanese schools and universities; what account she has taken in forming her policy of the valuable contribution to Great Britain's future trade prospects of the ability to speak Japanese; and if she will make a statement.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The choice of languages to be taught in schools is a matter for the individual local education authorities and the schools themselves; but I would not expect to see provision made on any substantial scale for the teaching of Japanese in schools. I understand that outline agreement has been reached between the British Council and the Japanese Embassy on a pilot scheme for the recruitment of a limited number of teachers from the United Kingdom to teach English in Japan. My Department will be providing technical advice on such matters as salary scales and conditions of service, and it is hoped that the scheme will be of benefit to both countries.

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