HC Deb 03 March 1959 vol 601 cc198-9
31. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consideration lie has given to the plans for expanding secondary education in Zanzibar, particularly for African girls; and if he will state the numbers of African boys and girls who completed their school certificate course in 1958.

Mr. J. Amery

This was one of the matters considered by a local committee on education problems, the report of which should be available shortly and will then be considered by the British Resident. Eleven African boys and one girl completed the 1958 school certificate course.

Mr. Johnson

Can the Minister give an assurance that he will give his special attention to the matter of secondary education? Is he aware that the African Party won all the seats at the last elections in 1957, and, in view of this, there is much complaint by these members of the Legislative Council and their supporters about the lack of African secondary education?

Mr. Amery

I have no doubt that the Committee will have taken full account of this plainly very important problem.

Dr. Summerskill

Can the Minister say why it is not generally recognised that it is most important to educate the potential mothers of Africa?

Mr. Amery

I think that the right hon. Lady is quite wrong in thinking that it is not so recognised.

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