§ 67. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the proportion of revenue in Tanganyika spent on education dropped from 8.09 per cent. in 1931–32 to 3.99 per cent. in 1937, and that this proportion has been dropping whilst revenue has been rising; whether he is satisfied with this service to the educational needs of the territory; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe position is admittedly unsatisfactory; and I propose to examine the matter thoroughly in consultation with the Governor, who has recently been requested to prepare the necessary statistical material. I may add that expenditure on education has shown steady increases during 1937 and 1938, and in addition the territory has recently 1992 undertaken to provide £100,000 towards the Endowment Fund for the new Makerere College.
§ Mr. SorensenDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to confess that he was unaware of this very serious drop in expenditure on education, and does he not recognise what a very poor demonstration this is of the superiority of British Imperialism over other forms of Imperialism?
Mr. MacDonaldI was not unaware that there was a considerable drop in expenditure at the time of the trade depression a few years ago. As stated in the answer, that expenditure has been steadily increasing over the last two or three years. I had already taken steps to have the matter thoroughly examined before the hon. Member put this question.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the Minister see that at least the expenditure on education goes up to the level of 1931?