§ 24. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the nature of the arrangements in Uganda for the purchase of secondary schools by the Government; what complaints he has had in respect of this; what missionary schools are involved; and what is the total accommodation in Uganda secondary schools for boys and girls, respectively.
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansIn 1943 the Government of Uganda assumed financial responsibility for capital and recurrent 1753 expenditure on certain secondary schools, in so far as the receipts from fees, etc., are insufficient; and in return secured representation, jointly with the respective Mission authorities, on the governing bodies of these schools, whose Chairmen are nominated by the Mission concerned. It would be quite incorrect to describe these arrangements as purchase by the Government.
According to the latest reports fears that the system was designed to take away the control of the schools from the denominational bodies concerned have been dispelled. Eight secondary schools have so far been included in the scheme. Precise information as to accommodation is not available. The numbers enrolled at the beginning of 1943 were:—Africans, boys 1,931, girls 150; Indians, boys 313, girls 46.
§ Mr. SorensenWhat action has been taken to provide fuller accommodation for girls, seeing that there is such a disparity between the places for boys and girls in the secondary schools?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI cannot say without notice.
§ Mr. McEnteeIn using the word "secondary," does the hon. Gentleman include technical schools?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI cannot answer that without notice.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillWill the hon. Gentleman tell us why there is this apparent discrimination between boys and girls in the Colonies?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI do not think there is any discrimination at all.