HC Deb 22 March 1937 vol 321 cc2561-2
6. Mr. Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state, for the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, the number of children attending schools, not including Arabic or Moslem schools, and the percentage which this constitutes of the total child population?

Mr. Eden

I assume that by the phrase "Arabic or Moslem schools" the hon. Member refers to schools in receipt of funds from Moslem religious organisations. The number of children who receive education in the Sudan Government schools, or schools subsidised or aided by the Government, is according to the latest reports available, 57,341. The approximate child population of the Sudan is 2,600,000, but, as no machinery for accurate computation exists in the more remote areas, this number must be treated with reserve. On the basis of these figures, the percentage is 2.2.

Mr. Watkins

Are there any plans in existence for covering the huge number of children who are not now being provided for?

Mr. Eden

I understand that the attendance at the so-called out-schools is increasing.