HC Deb 20 July 1955 vol 544 cc376-7
46. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total amount received by the Tanganyika Government from the Custodian of Enemy Property; and in what proportions this sum has been distributed for the benefit of European, African and Asian members of the community.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Just over £3 million. The Tanganyika Government have decided to divide the bulk of this money into four equal sums, one to start a Higher Education Fund, and three for grants to develop European, Asian and African education respectively. Any balance would be devoted to township development to the benefit of the whole community.

Mrs. White

While there is parity among the three communities in Tanganyika for political purposes at the moment, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in a matter of this kind more attention should be paid to the numerical composition of these communities and therefore a much larger proportion of this amount given to African education?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not think that is altogether fair. This money is incidentally of European origin. I believe it is being applied in a perfectly fair way which commends itself to responsible people in Tanganyika.