§ 38. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proportion of pupils have graduated to the highest class in Eritrean schools this year; whether they are issued with a school-leaving certificate; and how many, and what proportion, have learnt English.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Herbert Morrison)Only one of the middle schools, which are the highest existing schools, has been established long enough to have a fourth year or top class. All 17 pupils attending this class this year have passed their final examinations, which include English, and will be issued with local school leaving certificates.
§ Mr. FreemanIn view of the great disadvantages that these children suffered both during the war and for 10 years of Italian occupation, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that everything is being done to enable all children in Eritrea to get a proper education in order to catch up with this long delay?
§ Mr. MorrisonWe are doing all we can, but my hon. Friend must not expect a sudden jump from nothing to British standards of efficiency with multilateral schools and all the rest. This is a big advance, and I do not think it is discouraging.