§ 24. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the composition of the Vernacular Literature Board in the Gold Coast; what are its powers; and whether he has received any complaints that the activity of the Board adversely affects vernacular publication by voluntary and other bodies.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAs the information is detailed I will, with permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I have received no complaints against the activities of the Board.
Following is the statement:The Board has 15 members, six of whom are appointed by the Governor-in-Council, four by the four Territorial Councils, and the remaining five by the Central Advisory Committee on Education (which is fully representative of the Missions), the University College of the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast Press Association, the People's Educational Association and the Legislative Assembly. There is also a Director of the Bureau of Vernacular Literature, who is a member fo the Board and is appointed by the Board.The Board is an independent statutory body mainly financed by Government grants-in-aid. It has power to set up and manage printing and publishing establishments for producing vernacular literature, but it is laid down in the Ordinance which established it that it is to "have regard to the normal development of private agencies.