HC Deb 10 March 1955 vol 538 cc598-9
26. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement regarding educational development in the British Protectorates in South Africa.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Douglas Dodds-Parker)

Annual expenditure from revenue on education in the High Commission Territories in the last 10 years has increased from £188,000 to £349,000. During the same period, grants under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act totalling £424,000 have been made for the extension of primary, secondary and technical schools, and the construction of a trade school, and two teacher training centres.

Her Majesty's Government propose further to develop educational facilities in the period 1955 to 1960 with moneys provided mainly through the proposed new Colonial Development and Welfare Act. In Basutoland it is proposed to build six new secondary schools and two new teachers' training institutions. In Bechuanaland it is proposed to enlarge the Bamangwato College as a combined secondary, technical and agricultural school for the whole Protectorate, and to build, four new African junior secondary schools. In Swaziland increased grants are to be made for additional teachers and class rooms in Government and Government-aided mission schools.

In addition to these developments financed by Government, the various missions have continued to extend their educational work in the Territories. In all three Territories post-matriculation classes are being introduced so that African students can qualify for admission to the new University College at Salisbury. The aim is to make as much use as possible of Salisbury for the University education of students from the Territories.

Mr. Brockway

Whilst expressing appreciation of the important statement the Minister has made, may I ask him—in view of the situation in South Africa—continually to bear in mind the desirability of giving air example on the widest possible scale of education for African children?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Of course, Her Majesty's Government will continue to press on regardless of any other actions elsewhere.