§ 9. Mr. Dempseyasked the First Secretary of State what consultations he has had with the Northern Rhodesian authorities regarding the establishment of a minimum school-leaving age for children.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThis matter is the responsibility of the Northern Rhodesia Government.
§ Mr. DempseyWould the First Secretary not agree that we have some duty to assist this Government in eliminating the use of young children, often of a very young age, as domestic drudges? In this age of equality, when 240 million Africans are demanding the same equality, would it not redound to the credit of the United Kingdom if we were to sit down, side by side with the other parties, face up to these problems and formulate a plan for establishing a minimum school-leaving age for these young people, even 1516 though that would mean the building of schools and the acquiring of teachers?
§ Mr. ButlerThe difficulty is that I cannot answer on matters which come under the Government of Northern Rhodesia, but I can exercise influence and advice. Education is compulsory in only certain urban and other areas where local authorities consider it practicable. I am, therefore, in somewhat of a difficulty in answering the hon. Member's Question.