§ 16. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that although only 48 per cent. of children of school age are being educated in Brunei, there was an actual reduction in the budget of 1951, compared with 1950, for education; and whether he will consult with the Government of Brunei with a view to increasing the educational facilities.
§ Mr. LytteltonNo, Sir; the annually recurrent expenditure in 1951 was some 18,000 dollars greater than in 1950. The non-recurrent expenditure on school buildings and teachers' quarters in 1950 (251,000 dollars compared with 156,000 dollars in 1951) was inflated by a revote of some 175,000 dollars from 1949.
I am satisfied that the Government of Brunei are increasing their educational facilities as fast as they can provide staff and buildings for them.
§ Mr. RankinWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that answer, may I ask whether he is aware that the report submitted to him shows that the amount of money spent in 1951 on education was less than the amount spent in 1950?
§ Mr. LytteltonI have already explained to the hon. Member that that is not the real difficulty but only the apparent one, for the reasons that I have given.