§ 7. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many children were attending school in Nyasaland immediately before the declaration of the state of emergency; and how many are attending at present.
§ Mr. J. AmeryNyasaland Government records do not show how many children were attending school immediately before the declaration of the state of emergency; but on 31st October, 1958, which was the beginning of the school year, 270,902 children were registered. School attendance at present is 270,102.
§ 8. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the present state of education in Nyasaland and on the Government's plans for keeping the schools adequately manned with teachers.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThe Governor is doing everything possible to maintain the standard of education in Nyasaland during the present difficult time and to bring about improvements where possible. As regards the provision of teachers, training is conducted at 10 centres catering for 946 trainee teachers and this number will increase to 1,100 in October. Plans have also been prepared for further expansion of teacher training facilities.
§ Mr. ThomsonIn view of the substantial number of teachers detained under the emergency regulations, and the very great importance of maintaining continued education, would the Minister consider recommending the Governor to release those teachers who are detained unless there are charges that can be brought against them?
§ Mr. AmeryThe word "substantial" is a matter of opinion, of course, but only 19 teachers have been detained out of a total of 3,138.