HC Deb 25 February 1948 vol 447 cc1947-8
42. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if further consideration is now being given to the future of Fourah Bay College, and what representation he has received from responsible West Africans or organisations in Sierra Leone who support the proposed future retention of this institution.

Mr. Rees-Williams

My right hon. Friend has received representations from a number of sources, and has promised to receive a deputation of the Friends of Fourah Bay College on his return from New York. Meanwhile, I am not in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask the Under-Secretary whether, in fact, any representations at all have been made by responsible persons or organisations in Sierra Leone, supporting the attitude of the Secretary of State to this particular college?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am not fully aware of what personal representations have been made to the Secretary of State. A large number of representations have been made officially, mainly by organisations in this country, and I think it would be better to leave the matter until my right hon. Friend returns, as he has taken a very great personal interest in it.

Mr. Sorensen

Meanwhile, may we take it that, in fact, there are no organisations or persons of whom the hon. Gentleman is aware who support the restriction of Fourah Bay College?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am not aware of any, but that does not mean that there are not any.

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