§ 34. Mr. Rees-Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there is scope for the application of the Army system of courses to adult education in the Colonies; and whether he will take steps to inaugurate such courses and, in particular, to establish in the Malayan Union and Singapore courses for the political education of men and women likely to be among the political leaders of these territories in the future.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Creech Jones)Yes, Sir. The importance attached to the experience of the Army Bureau of Current Affairs will be clear from the fact that the former Director-General of Army Education and the former Director of that Bureau are members of my Advisory Committee on Education in the Colonies which is now considering the problem of encouraging the appreciation which Colonial peoples already show of current affairs and the practical problems involved in responsible citizenship. The inauguration of courses is a matter for Colonial Governments, and I am conveying to the Governors of the Malayan Union and Singapore my honourable Friend's suggestion regarding political education in those territories.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherMight I ask the Secretary of State what mental or moral means tests are also to be applied to find who are to be the suitable political leaders in Malaya in future?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsIs the Secretary of State aware that I can give him the names of a large number of suitable persons for this purpose in Malaya, and I have no doubt other hon. Members can do the same?