§ 1. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to assist in obtaining a suitable history teacher for Makerere College, Uganda, which has been without instruction in history for the last year.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Creech Jones)Makerere College is an autonomous institution, and is, therefore, responsible for its own staff recruitment. I understand, however, that, with the assistance of the Inter-University Council for Higher Education in the Colonies, the College has been making every effort, both by public advertisement and private inquiry, to recruit a suitably qualified candidate. I myself am, of course, willing to take any steps I can to assist in the discovery of suitable candidates.
§ Mr. DigbyDoes not the Colonial Secretary agree that it is highly unsatisfactory that this college—the most important training college in the whole of East Africa—should be completely without a history teacher? Will he do something about it?
§ Mr. Creech JonesWe are desperately concerned about it, obviously. There was a temporary appointment which fell through.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difficulty in obtaining a teacher is the result of the insistence on university standards? Would it not be much better to accept a lower standard until such time as Makerere College acquires university status?
§ Mr. Creech JonesIt is our intention to transform this college to university college status as soon as possible, and it is imperative that we should have academic teaching of a fairly high standard.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the right hon. Gentleman say what history this gentleman will teach?
§ Mr. Creech JonesThe requirement is that he should also be able to do history research and develop a history department and engage in other work. He would be the leader on this side in the university college.
§ Mr. George ThomasCan my right hon. Friend say whether he is satisfied that the salary offered is such as will induce a graduate to accept the appointment?
§ Mr. Creech JonesAs I pointed out, this institution is autonomous. I am not responsible for it.