§ 13. Sir R. Aclandasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a statement on the decision to abandon the scheme under which, on 6th August, 27 selected Gold Coast students were to leave for three-year scholarship training at Bedford College.
§ Mr. LytteltonI am told by the Government of the Gold Coast that this scheme has been abandoned because of the increased cost of maintaining colonial scholars in the United Kingdom and of the recent decision of that Government, on grounds of public interest, to conserve all available funds for the urgent economic development of the territory. A suitable alternative course of training will be provided next session at the Kumasi College of Arts, Science and Technology.
The Director of Education, Bedfordshire, who was originally asked by the authorities in the Gold Coast, to arrange the course of training at the North Bedfordshire Technical College, has of course been told. I much regret any inconvenience caused to the college by the change of plan.
§ Sir R. AclandWill the right hon. Gentleman deal with a report which I am told has gained currency in the Gold Coast by giving assurance that the decision is in no way connected with any 1454 recommendation which the right hon. Gentleman has made for slowing up the social development programme of the Gold Coast?
§ Mr. LytteltonI can only say that attention was first drawn to the matter by the hon. Baronet's Question. He may like to know that 25 of the 27 students have accepted the alternative award at Kumasi College.