HC Deb 15 December 1960 vol 632 cc573-4
5. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many trade schools there are in Northern Rhodesia; how many Africans are at present attending them; and what facilities they offer for the study of the sciences and higher technology.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Twenty and 828 respectively. Their aim is to produce trained workmen for industry; science and higher technology are not taught at them but such facilities exist in other educational institutions.

Mr. Swingler

Nevertheless, is it not a fact that at the moment there are no African apprentices on the Copperbelt, and that, therefore, the plans announced by Rhodesian Railways and the copper companies, for example, for the advancement of Africans will remain merely paper plans unless there is an immense extension of technical education facilities for Africans?

Mr. Macleod

Although that is extremely important, the hon. Member's point diverges somewhat from the Question. This matter has recently been examined by a Committee under Sir David Lindsay Keir, whom most hon. Members will know. I have had the report only a day or two, and I will study it as soon as I can.