§ 30. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what inquiries have been made into the need for university education in Malta; and what steps are being taken to bring about a general reorganisation of education in the island.
§ Mr. J. AmeryA Commission headed by Sir Hector Hetherington reported on the functions and finances of the Royal University of Malta in July, 1957. In pursuance of its recommendations a Statutory University Commission has been established. In accordance with this Commission's recommendation the Government of Malta's annual grant to the university has been doubled and converted into a triennial grant for development and reorganisation.
As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the appropriate chapters of the Government of Malta's Five Year Development Plan, copies of which have been placed in the Library.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that all the facilities afforded to the people of Malta for education at elementary, secondary and university level, are satisfactory? If he is, it is contrary to the opinion of the Maltese people.
§ Mr. AmeryI would never say that we were satisfied with the position, but I think that the sums of money made 187 available for improvements in the sphere of education should give a considerable return at all the levels to which the hon. Gentleman refers and at one to which he did not refer, namely, technical education, which will amount to about half the sum allocated for educational purposes.
§ Mr. AwberyIt is not enough.