§ 50. Mr. R. W. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made during the past two years in extending educational facilities in Borneo; how many are now receiving primary, secondary and higher education; and how many students from Borneo are now receiving university education overseas.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe primary and secondary school population in North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei has increased from some 56,500 and 1,600 in 1949 to some 65,400 and 3,200, respectively, in 1951. There are no facilities for higher education, but 23 students are receiving university education overseas. Teachers' training colleges are now established in both Sarawak and North Borneo.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this increase is proportionate to the increase in population? What steps are being taken to increase the facilities for primary education as well as secondary education there?
§ Mr. LytteltonI do not think the increase is proportionate to the increase in population. We are taking steps to increase the proportion.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs anything being done to set up a university college for these Colonies?
§ Mr. LytteltonAt the present moment the plans are confined to teachers' training colleges.
§ Mr. Edward ShackletonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the oil companies are playing their part in providing technical education facilities in Sarawak?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe oil companies are chiefly in Brunei, which has a population of about 50,000.