§ 18. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when compulsory education between the ages of 12 and 16 in the Northern Rhodesia Copper Belt was abolished; and how many children are now without educational facilities.
§ Mr. LytteltonOwing to overcrowding and shortage of staff compulsory education for Africans in this area unfortunately had to be suspended in July, 1951. In consequence, about 1,700 children were refused enrolment. All were over age or had no permission from their native authorities to come into an urban area.
§ Mr. JohnsonDoes not the Minister think that this is a very mean action for a wealthy Colony to take? Is he not aware that the copper mines are booming in Northern Rhodesia and that only last year they exported something like £30 million worth of base metals? Does he not think we might spend a little more money and make a little more effort to get education for these youngsters?
§ Mr. LytteltonI feel some diffidence in answering that question, because these matters took place in July, 1951. I think the reasons which impelled my predecessor to take that decision were not only the question of spending money, but also the fact that there was gross overcrowding taking place and that measures to increase the building of schools would necessarily take time.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs it not true that Central Africa, although it is the richest part of the African Colonies, is behind the other Colonies in Africa in making provision for higher education?
§ Mr. LytteltonThat may be so, but at any rate efforts are being made to catch up. As I understand it, the present measures had to be approved, with regret, by the right hon. Gentleman himself.
§ Mr. BaldwinIs my right hon. Friend aware that the wealthy mine owners in the Copper Belt of Northern Rhodesia are spending great sums of money in building operations—building hospitals and schools out of their own funds? Is he aware that they are setting an example to the rest of the country?