HC Deb 29 February 1956 vol 549 cc1166-7
33. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now make a statement respecting constitutional changes and educational development in Somaliland.

Mr. Hare

On constitutional changes I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for Brigg (Mr. E. L. Mallalieu) on 25th January; and on educational developments to the Written Reply given to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 22nd February.

Mr. Sorensen

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement about the implementation of these proposals?

Mr. Hare

I should like to be able to give the hon. Member that answer, but Her Majesty's Government's future policy in the Protectorate is still being considered and I do not think that I have anything to add at the moment.

Mr. J. Johnson

Is it not a fact that only 20 British Somalis take higher education in the United Kingdom and that there are 60 British Somalis and 250 Italian Somalis being educated in Egypt? Does the right hon. Gentleman think that that is a good thing? Is he aware that Somalis in Somaliland do not think so? Will he do something about getting more Somali students over to this country?

Mr. Hare

I do not think that that has anything to do with the original Question, but I will note what the hon. Member has said.