HC Deb 10 November 1932 vol 270 cc502-3
61. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether primary education in Cyprus is now controlled by the Government; and what steps are being taken to train and appoint qualified teachers?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

As I intimated during the discussion on the Colonial Office Estimates, the policy of His Majesty's Government is to bring elementary education in Cyprus under the control of the Government. A local Bill has been drafted and recently submitted to me with the object of giving effect to this policy; and its forthcoming enactment will establish a system by which virtually all powers relating to elementary education will be vested in the Government. Under a Law passed in 1929 the Government assumed control of certain matters such as the appointment of the teachers, and by virtue of this provision it is already in a position to ensure the recruitment for the teaching staff of persons of suitable qualifications and training.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Would it be possible for any teacher to be appointed from this country who acquired a knowledge of the Greek language?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I would like to consider that point. I am afraid that the question of the standard of remuneration received by teachers in Cyprus would probably arise.