§ MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to carry out in Ceylon the recommendations of the Elementary Education Commission, 1905, with respect to compulsory education in that colony; whether a conscience clause will be included in the new proposals; and if so, what will be its nature. I beg also to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Ceylon proposes to include in the new Education Ordinance in that island a clause enabling the authorities to call upon planters to provide schools, or a school, for groups of estates, as recommended by the Elementary Education 503 Commission, 1905, and when legislation to this effect is likely to be introduced; and whether inspectors will be appointed to supervise existing and future schools.
§ *MR. CHURCHILLIn reply to the hon. Member I have to inform him that the Governor's proposals with regard to elementary education in Ceylon have been under the consideration of the Secretary of State, and it is hoped that he will shortly be in a position to lay papers on the subject.