§ 3. Mr. George Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total number of children in Cyprus in 1938; the total number of children attending the schools of Cyprus; and whether formal education is compulsory in this Colony.
§ Mr. George HallThe total child population of school age in Cyprus in 1938 was 75,800; the total number attending school in 1944 was 55,087. The free education given between the ages of 6 and 14 is not compulsory.
§ Mr. ThomasWhile thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask if he is prepared, in view of the splendid war record 1985 of Cyprus and of the promises made during the war years to the Cypriots, to consider the introduction of a compulsory form of education in Cyprus, at least equal to the efforts we are now making for compulsory school education in Germany?
§ Mr. HallThis matter is not quite easy, as I am sure my hon. Friend realises. It is constantly before the Colonial Office and the Cyprus Government.
§ Mr. ThomasCan the Minister tell us what special difficulties are preventing compulsory education for the children of Cyprus?
§ Sir Ronald RossWould the provision of education involve a charge on British funds or would it be paid for out of local funds?
§ Mr. HallThere is a distribution of funds. The British Government, or shall I say the Government of Cyprus, are partly responsible and the local authorities are partly responsible.
§ Sir R. RossBut mainly the British Government?