§ 27. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present approximate proportion of the school population of Palestine educated in British or British-controlled schools; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the near future to improve the situation so far as availability of English education in that mandated territory is concerned?
Mr. THOMASThe High Commissioner in Council is empowered to regulate the instruction given at all "public schools" and "assisted schools" in Palestine, other than religious instruction at "assisted schools." Special attention is being paid to the teaching of English in all schools maintained by Government, where it can appropriately be taught, and additional measures for its extension are under active consideration. The education in all schools maintained by Government and in a considerable number of other schools is on English lines adapted, where necessary, to local conditions. According to the latest statistics 58 per cent. of the total school population is educated at "public schools." Separate figures for "assisted" and other schools are not available.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to how many British teachers there are in Palestine who can teach English to the natives?