HC Deb 25 May 1949 vol 465 cc1267-8
60. Mr. John Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give an assurance that Makerere College is training Africans with a view to their taking up senior posts in the Kenya Civil Service; and whether he will examine the possibility of providing suitable posts specifically for Africans of suitable qualifications.

Mr. Rees-Williams

It is certainly the aim of Makerere College to enable Africans to qualify for greater responsibilities in the public service of their territories. Wide opportunities already exist in the Kenya Service for Africans who have obtained qualifications at Makerere or elsewhere.

Mr. Hynd

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are no Africans in the higher posts in the Civil Service, and does he endorse the recent report of the East African Civil Service inquiry that it will be many years before any Africans will be capable of undertaking these posts?

Mr. Rees-Williams

As Africans make use of the opportunities now available to them, they will become qualified for the higher posts.

Mr. Baldwin

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the most important tasks of Makerere College is to turn out agricultural people who can teach the natives how to cultivate their land properly?

Mr. Rees-Williams

Yes, that is a most important task.

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