HC Deb 24 March 1960 vol 620 cc642-4
3. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations how many primary and secondary schools respectively, there are in Swaziland; how many of these, respectively, are publicly supported; in how many cases in each category racial segregation is practised; and how many European, African, and coloured schools there are in each category.

Mr. Alport

There are 298 primary and 18 secondary schools in Swaziland. One hundred and sixty-one of the primary and all the 18 secondary schools receive full or partial support from public funds. Schools cater separately for either African, Eurafrican or European children. Eight primary and two secondary schools are for Europeans, five primary—two of which have secondary departments—are for Eurafricans. Two hundred and eighty-five primary and 14 secondary schools are for Africans.

Mr. Brockway

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many people in this country will be shocked to learn that apartheid and segregation are being carried out in a British Protectorate in South Africa? Has his attention to the statement of the Prime Minister, that the best way to influence the ending of apartheid in South Africa is to have racial co-operation in our British territories? Will he take steps immediately to end this apartheid and segregation in British Protectorates?

Mr. Alport

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's contention. If he had full information about the situation in Swaziland, he would know that race relations there are extremely harmonious at present. It is impracticable to integrate these schools because of language difficulties and the difference in class ages between pupils in the various racial groups.

Mr. Marquand

When the hon. Gentleman says that he does not accept my hon. Friend's statement, is he denying what my hon. Friend has said about the existence of segregation in education in this High Commission Territory?

Mr. Alport

The hon. Gentleman used the technically different word of apartheid for it. I say that it is not aparthied in Swaziland.

Mr. Marquand

If the United States of America and every other civilised country are trying to get rid of segregation in education wherever it exists, cannot the hon. Gentleman be forthcoming about his policy?

Mr. Alport

I think it is general experience that the objective is certainly one which we all fully accept but which takes time to achieve.

4. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what is the annual cost per child of the education of European, African, and coloured pupils, respectively, in the schools of Swaziland.

Mr. Alport

The annual cost per capita for European, Eurafrican and African pupils at schools in Swaziland is £51 10s., £15 10s. and £5 4s., respectively. Among the reasons which contribute to these different levels of expenditure are the higher overheads, which include boarding accommodation, which have to be provided for European pupils whose homes are scattered over a wide area and higher expenditure on teachers, many of whom have to be obtained from sources outside the territory. Any attempt to compare expenditure per capita must take these factors into consideration.

Mr. Brockway

With all the excuses which the hon. Gentleman made, is it not outrageous that in an African country the expenditure upon each European child should be nearly three times that upon an African child? [HON. MEMBERS: "More."] As the hon. Member knows, I am aways moderate in my statements. In view of the crisis in race relations in South Africa, will the hon. Gentleman immediately take steps to see that we have a good record in these matters?

Mr. Alport

One of the reasons why the cost of African education per head is lower is the level of African teachers' salaries. We have recently had an investigation into that following the report of Sir Rex Surridge. I hope that the recommendations of that inquiry will be available shortly. However, I remind the hon. Gentleman and the House that this matter must be looked at from two different points of view. In taxation, which contributes to the expenditure on education, Europeans contribute £145,000 and have £66,000 spent on their children, while Eurafricans contribute £1,500 and have £9,000 spent on their children, and Africans contribute £67,000 and have £124,000 spent on their children. That must be borne in mind when considering conditions in Swaziland.

Dr. King

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that even in the deep south in the United States of America, where segregation in education is practised, there is at least equality in expenditure on coloured and white children? Will not he do something about this shocking state of affairs?

Mr. Alport

Resources in the United States are very much greater than they are in Swaziland.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall take the first opportunity to raise the matter on the Adjournment.