asked the Minister of Education to what extent there has been an increase and improvement in the teaching of Commonwealth history and Commonwealth knowledge.

My right hon. Friend does not receive any formal returns on this, but Her Majesty's Inspectors consider that interest in the Commonwealth is growing in the schools, and more teachers are taking advantage of the facilities available for improving the teaching of the subject.

Is there not evidence of very great ignorance of the Commonwealth? Will every encouragement be given to the teaching of the Commonwealth an an integral part of the teaching of geography, history, economics and civics?

It is not difficult to get some evidence of remarkable ignorance on almost any subject one can name. What is interesting is that, in 1957 and 1958, more teachers than ever before attended courses on the Commonwealth organised by Her Majesty's inspectors, I hope that that trend will continue.