§ 33. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the Government of Kenya target of 52 teachers training centres, with an output of 1,300 teachers by 1957 is adequate, in view of the great need for educational development amongst Africans in Kenya; and what plans exist to supplement this number with less highly-qualified emergency teachers.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe whole question of African education in Kenya, including the training of teachers, is now under review locally. No details are yet available, but I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I receive them.
§ Mr. SkinnardWould my hon. Friend not agree that the supplementation suggested in the last part of the Question would be helpful in two ways: firstly, to fight the time-lag which puts Kenya natives behind the natives in most other 860 African Colonies, since this inadequate provision goes up to 1957; secondly, the new type of teacher would be more likely to avoid the academic approach?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI would prefer to leave this matter until we get a report from the local authorities.
§ 34. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give details of the position of the Advisory Council on African Education in Kenya, showing how many of the members are officials, how many Africans, and how many missionaries; and whether he is satisfied that there are sufficient Africans on the Council and that they are consulted on all questions, particularly those concerning school curricula.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe present composition of the Advisory Council on African Education is seven officials, five Africans, seven missionaries and six members representing other interests. African representation is considered sufficient for the time being. This Council is consulted on questions of policy affecting African education including school curricula.
§ Mr. SkinnardDoes not this reply show some considerable variation from the reply given just before the Recess to a similar Question?
§ Mrs. Leah ManningCould my hon. Friend say whether, when the education for Kenya Africans becomes more nationalised and less under missionaries, it will be possible to alternate the number of missionaries with the Africans as they exist today on the Advisory Council?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI will forward the suggestion of my hon. Friend to the Government, and get the Government's view upon it.