HC Deb 08 December 1948 vol 459 cc362-3
15. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the plans now in process for the improvement of educational facilities for the people of the Federation of Malaya and Singapore.

Mr. Rees-Williams

My right hon. Friend is asking the High Commissioner for the Federation and the Governor of Singapore for up-to-date reports, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as he has their replies.

Sir P. Hannon

Is His Majesty's administration doing everything possible to promote education in the interests of peace in the Federation and the Colony?

Mr. Rees-Williams

We quite agree with the hon. Gentleman. Both the Federation and the Colony have approved a 10-year plan for universal elementary education for boys and girls.

Mr. W. Fletcher

Will not this excellent plan for education be severely handicapped if the heavy cost of maintaining troops to put down Communism is fastened upon Malaya?

Mr. Rees-Williams

That is another question.