HC Deb 05 April 1960 vol 621 cc164-5
2. Mr. Marquand

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is intended to make primary education in Dominica compulsory.

Mr. Alport

The Dominica Government have decided to introduce compulsory education in given areas as soon as adequate school accommodation is available in those areas, and they expect to make a start during 1960 in a number of areas. The post of school attendance officer has been created in the 1960 Estimates for this purpose.

Mr. Marquand

On a point of order. In the Order Book which was published yesterday giving a list of Questions to be asked today, there appeared Question No. 3 in my name about elections in Dominica, but today that Question does not appear on the Order Paper. I have been given no notice of any change or of any irregularity about the Question.

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid that I can only apologise to the right hon. Gentleman and look into the matter, because I have no knowledge of it at the moment.

Mr. Callaghan

If, Mr. Speaker, it is found before half-past three that a mistake has been made, could my right hon. Friend have an Answer to that Question?

Mr. Speaker

The explanation is, I understand, that it was the right hon. Gentleman's third Question. That would explain the matter.

Mr. Marquand

I thought, Mr. Speaker, that I could put down a third Question for non-oral Answer without extinguishing my right to have two Oral Answers.

Mr. Speaker

It sounds as though—I do not know—that what the right hon. Gentleman put down intending to be for non-Oral Answer, or vice versa, has got otherwise treated because the Question here not for Oral Answer already appears as No. 5 on page 2952 of the Order Paper. There are two Questions down there in the name of the right hon. Gentleman, Nos. 4 and 5.

Mr. Callaghan

With respect, Mr. Speaker, who decides which of the three Questions is to be withdrawn?

Mr. Speaker

It is the hon. Member who decides, because it is the third one in, I suppose, which is of a starred character.

Mr. Marquand

Would it not save the time of the House, Mr. Speaker, if the Minister of State would answer the Question which did appear?

Mr. Speaker

I am sorry but that could not conceivably be right. I will try to find out what was the exact sequence of events, but it is no good trying to do that now.

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