§ 25. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the approximate percentage of illiteracy in Jamaica among adults; among young people between the ages of 14 and 21; among children under 14; and what percentage of the children now regularly attend school.
Mr. Creech JonesThe approximate figures of illiteracy are—adults of 20 years and over, 27 per cent., persons 15 to 19 years, 16 per cent., children 7 to 14 years, 26 per cent. The percentage of regular attendance at public elementary schools of children of 7 to 14 years is 54.
§ Mr. DribergSince this largely illiterate population has universal adult suffrage, will my right hon. Friend do all he can to encourage general education and education in citizenship such as that provided by institutions like the Institute and the new University?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, the new University has now set up an extramural Department, and Mr. Springer is actively engaged in organising adult education work.