§ 13 and 14. Mr. Errollasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what plans the Gold Coast Government have formulated for the extension of mass education throughout the country;
(2) what staff and administrative facilities have been allotted to the mass education officer in the Gold Coast.
Mr. Creech JonesComprehensive plans have not yet been formulated. An 1124 experimental project in mass education is being carried out in an area of Togoland over a period of six months. In the light of the results of this experiment it is the Government's intention to make plans for the extension of mass education throughout the country. In carrying out this experiment the social development officer has had the assistance of the Social Welfare Department and of the administrative staff in the area concerned.
§ Mr. ErrollCan the right hon. Gentleman explain the extreme dilatoriness of the Gold Coast Government in all its dealings with mass education?
Mr. Creech JonesI cannot accept the assumption that there has been dilatoriness. We have done everything possible to stimulate an active interest in the problem of mass education. I think that on the Gold Coast some interesting work has already been done.
§ Mr. DonnerCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this extension of mass education will be accompanied by the provision of suitable religious literature in adequate quantities, otherwise the new literates will only create a demand for a yellow Press of the worst possible kind?
Mr. Creech JonesThe question of the supply of literature comes in a later Question, I think, but I can give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that I recognise the importance of additional literature.