HC Deb 05 December 1951 vol 494 cc2368-9
20. Mr. Archer Baldwin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much is collected from the European community in Uganda in education tax; how many European children there are in Uganda between the ages of six and 14; and what educational facilities are available for them.

The Minister of State for Colonial Affairs (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

Education tax collected from the European community in Uganda during the first eight months of 1951 amounted to £5,369. It is estimated that there are 600 European children in Uganda between the ages of six and 14. There are three Government primary schools for European children, and facilities are provided also in a number of mission stations. In addition, many children attend schools in Kenya, some financial assistance being granted by the Uganda Government.

Mr. Baldwin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that up to a few months ago there was a staff of only four teachers to teach in a Government school of 150 pupils in Kampala?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I will follow up that observation of my hon. Friend.

Mr. A. Fenner Brockway

Could the right hon. Gentleman give the House the cost per child of the education of European children, as compared with that of African children?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly not without notice, and I very much doubt whether hard-pressed Governments in the Colonies should be asked for information of that kind.

Mr. James Griffiths

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to inquire into the matter, when I think he will find that the information is already available?