§ 20. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to provide education, housing and employment for the population of Singapore, which has doubled since 1931.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydMuch progress has been made in education, housing and employment since the end of the Japanese occupation and every effort is being made to secure further improvement. Every child can now have six years in a primary school and great attention is being paid to the training of teachers to meet the large increase in the birth rate during recent years.
The Singapore Improvement Trust are now building over 2,000 homes a year as against 212 in 1947. On employment, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to his Question on 12th May.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the present rate of population growth continues for the next six years it will be necessary to provide another 100,000 places in the secondary and primary schools? Will he ensure that the provision of school places keeps pace with the growth of population?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydSingapore has something of which to be very proud, that every child can now have six years in a primary school.