HC Deb 01 June 1938 vol 336 cc2036-7
44. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement respecting the education ordinance recently passed in Sierra Leone; whether he is aware of the public protest and resentment this has caused; and whether he proposes to take any action concerning the matter?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The Education Bill in its original form was first brought before the Legislative Council in November, 1937. In view of criticisms then levelled at it, the Governor appointed a committee representative of all educational interests in Sierra Leone to examine the Bill and to make suggestions for its amendment. A copy of the committee's report will be placed in the Library of the House. I have not been informed of any public resentment occasioned by the reintroduction of the Bill into the Legislative Council; but I am expecting a despatch from the Governor regarding the latest developments.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Member communicate in some way the result of this despatch?

Mr. MacDonald

Perhaps the hon. Member will get in touch with me, and, if he likes, put down another question later on.