HC Deb 03 April 1962 vol 657 cc186-7
6. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what educational assistance he is giving to the Somali Republic in regard to both the provision of scholarships in the United Kingdom and help with teachers and textbooks inside the Somali Republic.

Mr. Vosper

Apart from contributions to the Somali Exchequer by the British Government, my Department has, in 1962–63, offered two scholarships for teacher-training, three for technical education, and one for a course at the British Broadcasting Corporation, all tenable in the United Kingdom. An offer has been made to provide and meet the cost of an adviser to help with adult education in the Somali Republic. In addition, the British Council provides 13 scholarships and five teachers of English, supports two libraries, and provides textbooks.

Mr. Thomson

I thank the Minister for that reply, but does not he agree that our responsibilities in relation to the Somali Republic are particularly important? Is he aware that there is a very big Communist effort in that country? Is he further aware that the Minister of Education, Mr. Egal Mohammed, is doing his best to make English the language of instruction there, and that there is a real thirst for textbooks? Will he try to do more to help this country, because of our special responsibilities in regard to it?

Mr. Vosper

I will certainly take note of what the hon. Member says. The Somali Republic cannot benefit under the special Commonwealth assistance plans and, therefore, must be dealt with in other ways. Any reasonable request will receive very favourable consideration.

Mr. Thomson

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Somali Republic includes a territory for which we were directly responsible for many years, and that it therefore ought to have special sympathy from this House, even though it is not now formally part of the Commonwealth?

Mr. Vosper

I am anxious to be helpful here. Additional financial assistance is provided from the Exchequer Fund. I will certainly take note of what the hon. Member has said.

Mr. John Hall

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the number of scholarships made available is limited by the number of suitable applicants for such scholarships?

Mr. Vosper

I should require notice of that question.