HC Deb 02 May 1956 vol 552 cc376-7
17. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many mission schools in the Eastern Region of Nigeria have recently been closed, or are to be closed, and for what reason.

Mr. Hare

A number of mission schools in Calabar Province have been closed because the local authorities were unable to collect the education rate. I cannot give the exact number, but it is not large. The Regional Government have recently introduced new financial measures which they hope will enable the schools to re-open shortly and will prevent the closing of any others.