§ 9. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what financial assistance is being given to the Southern Rhodesian Government in respect of African education; and if he will make a statement about the future policy of Her Majesty's Government in this respect.
§ Mr. SandysA loan of £355,000 towards African education was made to the Government of Southern Rhodesia in 1962. As already announced, we have offered to make a substantial contribution towards the expenses of the multi-racial university college in Salisbury.
§ Dr. MabonIs not this a quite inadequate sum, considering the enormity of the task? This is one constructive way in which the United Kingdom could pay towards solving the enormous problem of trying to get responsible Government—so-called—in Southern Rhodesia as a coalition between whites and blacks. In the process of the present discussions, will not he look at this again and give a larger sum for African education?
§ Mr. SandysWe are due to have discussions with each of the three Territories to examine the financial consequences to them of the dissolution of the Federation. We are quite prepared to discuss with the Government of Southern Rhodesia, if they so wish, questions of assistance for African education.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that hon. Members on both sides of the House who are interested in African education think that the most practical way of advancing both the, political and economic cause out there is by spending more money on education, particularly technical education?