HC Deb 02 June 1960 vol 624 cc1627-8
35. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies Whether he is aware of the need for the development of increased educational facilities in Fiji; and what proposals he has for meeting it.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I am aware that in its recent report the Burns Commission, while making certain recommendations on education, particularly in regard to agricultural and technical training, laid emphasis on the Colony's need for economic rather than social development and expressed the view that the Colony cannot at present afford facilities for a higher standard of education. The Commission's report is being studied by the Fiji Government, and I await their reactions to it.

Mr. Dugdale

Is it not the case that the increase in the educational facilities has not even kept pace with the increase in the population, the result being that the educational facilities are growing less rather than greater?

Mr. Macleod

No, I do not think that is so. The figures I have show that the total school roll in the period 1946 to 1958 increased by about 100 per cent. as against an increase of 44 per cent. in the total population. I should have thought that on that basis we were clearly keeping pace, but that does not mean to say that there is not a great deal still to be done, which is now being studied by the Government.

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