HC Deb 21 May 1952 vol 501 c452
11. Sir Edward Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how often, since the Education Ordinance was passed in 1948, has permission been refused for the erection of a school in Northern Nigeria; and on whose advice.

The Minister of State for Colonial Affairs (Mr. Henry Hopkinson)

The Northern Regional Director of Education, on the recommendation of provincial education committees, which are predominantly African, has withheld consent to open schools on two occasions. Three other cases did not come before the Director as the local education committee concerned notified the applicants that they were not able to make a recommendation.

Sir E. Keeling

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether we can understand that there is no foundation for the statement made in the House a few weeks ago by the hon. Member for Itchen (Mr. Morley) that it was the British authorities who had refused permission for schools?

Mr. Hopkinson

That is quite correct. The Chief Commissioner, who is now the Lieutenant-Governor, has no longer any powers in this matter.

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