HC Deb 09 September 1942 vol 383 cc144-5
38. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of elementary scholars registered in West African Colonies and their percentage of attendances; how many of these are in the coastal belt; and whether any steps are being taken to provide varied types of adult education in suitable areas?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

The statistics requested by my hon. Friend are not readily available, owing to the abridgment of the annual reports of education departments in war-time, but, as regards the last part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that the question of increasing the spread of adult education in the Colonial Empire is one which is receiving the immediate attention of my noble Friend's advisory committee on education in the Colonies.

Mr. Sorensen

Is they any likelihood of some details being obtained regarding the first part of the Question?

Mr. Macmillan

I will have another consultation on the matter, but it is very difficult in present conditions.