HC Deb 30 July 1952 vol 504 c1454
15. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the recommendation contained in a report dealing with education in Gambia that an independent co-educational nondenominational secondary school was needed and should be built in Gambia, whether a grant from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund will he made for this purpose.

Mr. Lyttelton

This recommendation was unfortunately rejected by the Gambia Legislative Council, the majority of whose members were unwilling to cooperate in the establishment of one independent non-denominational school. The question of a grant does not therefore arise.

Mr. Sorensen

Was the reason for the rejection financial grounds? Was it found that they could not really afford it? In those circumstances would it be possible to secure some financial assistance from the Colonial Development Fund?

Mr. Lyttelton

I have not the full details of the debate which took place in the Legislative Council, but the rejection of the recommendation was moved by Mr. Garba-Jahumpa in the Legislative Council and that is all the information I have at the moment. If the hon. Gentleman is interested, I will get some more.

Mr. Sorensen

I understand that what I have said was the cause of the circumstances. Will the right hon. Gentleman favourably consider assistance from the Fund?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am afraid I cannot go into that now. The recommendation has been rejected by the Legislative Council which has a majority of unofficial members. At the present moment I must abide by their decision.