37. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are made for school medical inspection; what facilities exist for dental treatment for school children in the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Gold Coast and Nigeria Colonies; and what Government scholarships for higher education in Britain are given in each of these Colonies?
Mr. M. MacDonaldWith regard to the first two parts of the question, the latest information available is contained in the reports of the Medical and Education Departments of the Colonies concerned. I am arranging for copies of these reports to be placed in the Library of the House. As regards the last part of the question, no such scholarships are at present awarded in Sierra Leone or in the Gambia. In Nigeria two scholarships have recently been granted and the early grant of others is being considered. In the Gold Coast there is provision for two or more Government scholarships to be awarded annually, and the number in existence at the end of 1937 was four.
Mr. Creech JonesWill the right hon. Gentleman give attention to the extension of these scholarships to the territories where scholarships are not at present enjoyed, and also will he give very serious attention to the position with regard to medical and dental inspections for school children?
Mr. MacDonaldThe answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the first part, the whole question of higher education in these Colonies will be considered by the Governors' Conference when it meets next year.