HC Deb 28 July 1954 vol 531 cc478-9
42. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Director of Extra-Mural Studies for the University College of East Africa has not been appointed; and what the University College authorities are doing with the money.

Mr. Hopkinson

As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) in reply to a Question on 23rd June, the University College of East Africa at Makerere is an autonomous body. This is therefore a matter for the college authorities.

Mr. Rankin

I quite appreciate that fact, but surely the Minister can do something in this matter, because he is aware, I think, that this post was advertised over a year ago. As this extra-mural work is proceeding quite satisfactorily at Entebbe, is there any reason why it should not proceed now in Kenya and Tanganyika?

Mr. Hopkinson

I think that my right hon. Friend in his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 23rd June, made quite clear what his interest was in this matter of extra-mural work. He made his interest perfectly clear, but it would not be proper for him to intervene in a matter of this sort.

Mr. J. Johnson

Would the Minister agree that one of our big difficulties in colonial society is a lack of what we may call cultural activity, particularly in East Africa of all places? Would he therefore do his best to indicate to the university in the territory that it ought to begin, and should begin as early as possible, some extra-mural classes in Nairobi?

Mr. Hopkinson

With respect, I think that the answers given on this subject will help in that direction.

Mr. Rankin

Will the Minister make it clear that this extra-mural work has his complete support, and say so to both the Governments concerned?

Mr. Hopkinson indicated assent

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