§ 19. Colonel Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many students there are in the Makerere College, East Africa, at the present time; and how many of them are studying agriculture.
Mr. Creech JonesThere are 222 students at Makerere at present, of whom 16 are taking the Agricultural course.
§ Colonel ClarkeDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that in view of the fact that this part of Africa is almost entirely an agricultural area and that under-nutrition is one of the great problems of Africa, a higher proportion of agricultural students would be advisable; and does he not feel that by his present policy he is encouraging a large number of young persons for whom there is little likelihood of employment and almost certain frustration?
Mr. Creech JonesWe are trying to get more balance so far as the studies of university college students are concerned, so that the students may return to the economic occupations available to them. We are also giving special attention to students who take up agriculture and veterinary work, etc., by holding out new incentives. The inter-university council has recently sent a deputation to Makerere for the purpose of tackling this problem.
§ Mr. J. HyndCan the Minister say whether the new incentives have resulted in a greater number of agricultural students going into the industry when they have completed their subject?
§ Mr. BaldwinCan the right hon. Gentleman take more active steps with regard to this matter? This has been going on for three or four years, and it is essential that the African native should be taught how to handle his land properly.
Mr. Creech JonesI fully agree, and the authorities in East Africa are fully alive to this aspect of the matter.