HC Deb 17 June 1958 vol 589 c868
3. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will take action to supply modern typewriters and equipment to the modern school in Praslin in the Seychelles to enable the standard of teaching and instruction to be raised.

Mr. Profumo

The Seychelles Government recognise the need for improved training in typewriting and propose to meet it as funds become available by providing commercial courses at the proposed new technical school for students whose basic education is already adequate. They believe that these proposals are to be preferred on educational grounds to the implied continuation and development of commercial courses in the secondary modern school.

Mr. Swingler

While I am much obliged to the Under-Secretary of State for his Answer, may I suggest that the real point is whether they are to get modern equipment or not? My information is that the equipment in the schools is dilapidated and obsolete. Will the Government face the question of providing the Seychelles, which we know is very far away, with modern equipment for this instruction?

Mr. Profumo

The typewriters are not of the most modern type but typewriter tuition does proceed. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that it is the intention of the Government when the new school is built to provide up-to-date equipment.