§ 54. Mr. BELLENGERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much money has been contributed by each of the West African Colonies to the funds
§ of the Imperial Agricultural Training College, Trinidad, since its inception; and how many Africans from each of these colonies have been trained in the college?
Mr. J. H. THOMASThe total contributions from the West African Governments, up to the year ending 31st August last, are as follow:
There have been three African students from the Gold Coast who have attended post-graduate courses at the college during this period. The training of such students represents only a small part of the services for the maintenance of which the contributions are made.
£ Nigeria … … 10,800 Gold Coast … … 5,000 Sierra Leone … … 2,500
§ Mr. BELLENGERCan the right hon. Gentleman give an adequate reason why the figure is so small?
Mr. THOMASIt is very difficult to give an adequate reason why, when opportunities are given, people do not take advantage of them. So far as I am concerned, at the office our policy is to encourage them as much as possible. The hon. Gentleman's question will give the necessary publicity to this matter.