HC Deb 07 February 1961 vol 634 cc182-3
3. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what percentage of African children at present receive secondary education, and how many new secondary schools are currently under construction, in each Colonial Territory in Africa.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Iain Macleod)

With permission, as the Answer is long, I will circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Swingler

I thank the Minister for the information that he is to provide. Can he say whether the figures answering the first part of the Question show a situation that is any better than the revelation of his hon. Friend last week, that only 1 per cent. of African children in Northern Rhodesia, for example, at present receive secondary education?

Mr. Macleod

I think it is difficult. The figures were given on 14th November to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) and they are contained in HANSARD. I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman will have to study the Answer to draw any sort of general conclusion Following is the Answer: As regards the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the estimates which I gave in a Written Answer on the 14th November last to the hon. Member for Eton and Slouth (Mr. Brockway). The figures for secondary education in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland should read 1.0 per cent. and 0.6 per cent. respectively.

As regards the second part of the Question the numbers of secondary schools under construction are as follows:

  • KENYA: 17 new schools which, together with additions to 4 existing schools, will provide 1,360 additional places.
  • UGANDA: 1 new school which, with 9 existing schools being completed or expanded, will provide 300 additional places.
  • TANGANYIKA: 13 new schools which, together with additions to 16 existing schools, will provide 1,077 additional places.
  • ZANZIBAR: None.
  • SIERRA LEONE: 10 new schools which, together with additions to 10 existing schools, will provide 2,800 additional places.
  • GAMBIA: 1 new school which will provide 163 new places, in addition to accommodating the 273 pupils at present housed in temporary buildings to be replaced by the new school.
  • NORTHERN RHODESIA: 19 schools being built or extended, which will provide 2,010 additional places.
  • NYASALAND: 1 new school which, together with additions to 5 existing schools, will provide 300 additional places.
Note: The figures above relate to schools providing a secondary course beginning after 8 years of primary education and leading at the end of the fourth year of the course, to an examination which is either a General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level or one of similar standard.