HC Deb 16 February 1949 vol 461 cc1130-1
21. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to encourage and secure a substantial increase in the number of suitable books for Nigerian reading rooms and schools, particularly non-technical or scholastic.

Mr. Creech Jones

The Nigerian Government, acting through the Education and Public Relations Departments, are doing a great deal to increase the supply of general reading material. Their efforts are being supplemented by the Caskiya Corporation, which controls the Hausa Literature Bureau, and by the native administrations. The British Council and the Carnegie Corporation are also making important and most welcome contributions to this work.

Mr. Sorensen

While I appreciate what the Caskiya Corporation has been doing, may I ask my right hon. Friend if it is not a fact that in many parts of Nigeria there is an appalling lack of suitable literature, apart from technical literature? Will he take steps to see that more suitable books of a general nature are provided for the reading rooms and schools of Nigeria?

Mr. Creech Jones

There is a good deal going on in the way of providing books, and the native authorities have funds for this purpose.

Mr. Sorensen

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of the books are dog-eared, and are scarcely readable?