HC Deb 23 June 1943 vol 390 cc1154-5
43. Major Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what sum is being devoted to the education of Africans in Tanganyika for the current year; what this amounts to per capita of the estimated African population in that territory; and how it compares with the previous year?

Colonel Stanley

The total estimated expenditure from public funds during 1942 on African education in Government and State-aided schools in Tanganyika is 115,835, which represents 5.4d. per head of the African population. The actual expenditure in 1942 was £97,511 or 4.56d. per head of the African population. These figures do not include the considerable sums spent on education in Tanganyika by missionary societies and other non-Government agencies as to which no information is available. A strong Committee with official and non-official (including missionary) representation presented a report in 1940 containing comprehensive recommendations for the expansion of education services in the Territory, and the Tanganyika Government have been asked to prepare in outline a programme for development over a period of five or ten years. It is hoped that substantial financial assistance for the carrying out of this programme will he provided by grants under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

Major Lyons

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend assure the House that this aspect of the matter and such improvements as are practicable are under review front time to time by his Department?

Colonel Stanley

Yes, Sir. I am very anxious that improvements should be made, but my hon. and gallant Friend should realise that they depend very much upon buildings, about which there is difficulty in war-time.

Mr. Sorensen

Can the Minister say how the sum per head for native children compares with the amount per head per white children in Tanganyika?

Colonel Stanley

I have not the figures, and, anyhow, a comparison might not be accurate, because a large proportion of the education in Tanganyika is carried out by missionaries, for whom I have no figures.