§ 9. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the number of African students from Basutoland at present studying in the United Kingdom, and the number who have received Government scholarships for the years 1955–57, respectively; and what qualifications are required for the acquisition of such scholarships.
§ Mr. AlportFourteen Basuto students are at present studying in the United Kingdom. During the years 1955–57 the following numbers of Government scholarships were granted to Basuto for study in the United Kingdom: 1955, 6; 1956, 6; and 1957, 2.
The qualifications required by the institutions to which the students are going are required for the acquisition of such scholarships. Other scholarships were provided by the British Council, the Basuto National Treasury and the Sethabathaba Fund.
§ Mr. ThomasWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him whether he is not a little dissatisfied with the figures? They seem to me very poor figures for such a large area.
§ Mr. AlportI can assure the hon. Gentleman that we should like to get more, provided that there are those qualified for this higher education, and to take full advantage of the opportunities.