§ 60. Mr. Ridleyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the probability that the department of African languages in the London School of Oriental Studies will be obliged to close down owing to the cessation of an annual grant of £3,000 from the Rockefeller Trust, His Majesty's Government will make a grant out of public funds to enable the scientific study of African languages to continue in the British Empire?
Mr. Ormsby-CoreI am at present considering the question of inviting the Governments of the African dependencies to make financial contributions for the maintenance of the Department of Languages and Culture of Africa in the School of Oriental Studies. I would also point out that the School is already in receipt of substantial financial assistance from the Imperial Exchequer through the Treasury block grant payable to the University of 922 London on the recommendation of the University Grants Committee.
§ Mr. RidleyHaving regard to our responsibilities in native Africa and to the very inconsiderable amount of money involved in this question will the right hon. Gentleman make quite certain that the opportunity for learning native languages in the London School is not terminated for financial reasons?
Mr. Ormsby-CoreI cannot do that. I cannot make arrangements in this particular school in London for the necessary teaching of African languages to those who are going out to administer in tropical Africa. In the main they have to learn the bulk of the native languages in the country.