HC Deb 18 February 1958 vol 582 cc1009-10
10. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what fees are charged in Tanganyika for an African child receiving primary education.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Profumo)

Ten shillings a year, to cover the cost of school materials supplied.

Mr. MacPherson

Will the hon. Gentleman say how that compares with the average level of the lowest-paid workers? Is it not the case that a great many workers in the Colony are paid no more than about 10s. to 15s. a week, including a ration allowance, and does not that correspond to a fee per child in the primary schools of this country of £8 to £10 a year?

Mr. Profumo

There is no evidence that these arrangements are deterring children from being sent to school.

Hon. Members

Oh.