§ 13. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any and, if so, what action has been taken as a result of the reports from African colonies and mandated territories published in Stationery Office publication, Colonial, No. 65, entitled Papers relating to the Health and Progress of Native Populations in certain parts of the Empire?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe correspondence which has been published shows that the Governments of the Dependencies concerned are fully alive to the importance of the matters dealt with in the publication referred to, and that the problems involved, many of which require the exercise of the greatest tact and prudence, are receiving their constant attention. The interchange of views and experience which has been secured by the publication of this correspondence will have been of the greatest value to the Governments concerned in dealing with these matters, and I do not think that there is any occasion for me to issue any specific instructions.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for these reports, may I ask whether, as they all put education as the best means of putting an end to these ugly practices on African women, he will urge an extension of education for Africans?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAs the right hon. Gentleman knows, a very great deal is done for education in all the Colonies, but these things depend on finance, and it is impossible to hold out hopes of a large extension of social services at a time when many Colonies are in sore financial straits.