§ 60. Mr. Palingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much is spent per head on European children's education out of central revenue in Kenya; how much per head is spent on the education of African children; and what percentage of such revenue is derived by direct taxation of the Africans?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe latest figures available are in respect of 1937. On those figures the answer to the first part of the question is approximately £18 12s.; the answer to the second part approximately 14s. 3d.; and the answer to the third 20 per cent.
§ Mr. PalingIn view of the enormous difference between what is spent on a European child and an African child, will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to abolish school fees for African children who attend elementary schools?
Mr. MacDonaldWe are hoping to have sufficient resources to enable us to give education to a larger number of native children. We do not regard the present standard for native children as satisfactory, and as resources permit we are determined to improve the standard.
§ Mr. PalingIn view of the low wages of many of the parents of these native children, and the cost of school fees, does the right hon. Gentleman realise that education is denied to thousands of children?
Mr. MacDonaldAll these matters are borne in mind, and the fees are reduced in cases of especially poor parents. As the hon. Member knows, there is still a good deal of free education among the natives.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the right hon. Gentleman send a representative to Soviet Russia to see how they do there, and how they overcome illiteracy?