HC Deb 24 June 1953 vol 516 c1901
40. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply has been made to the request that African children should be admitted to the Aga Khan schools in East Africa.

Mr. Lyttelton

I am not aware of any such requests.

Mrs. White

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Commission on Higher Education in Central Africa published a statement that three times the authorities concerned with these schools, which are partly financed by the Government of Kenya, have requested from the Government their concurrence in opening the schools to African children? Will he see that this effort towards improving race relations in Kenya is fostered?

Mr. Lyttelton

These schools are charitable institutions backed by the Aga Khan's followers for their own community. They are an admirable example of self-help which deserve every encouragement. The racial composition of students attending the Institute in November, 1952, were Asians, 100; Arabs, 28; Africans, 28; and Somalis, five.