HC Deb 13 April 1965 vol 710 cc1141-2
12. Mr. Jackson

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will consider seeking to promote a university and college scholarship programme for Southern Rhodesian students throughout the Commonwealth, in order to help the African populace towards the experience necessary to take over the government of the country.

Mr. Oram

Facilities already exist in such schemes as the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan which, as its name implies, provides scholarships at Commonwealth universities for Commonwealth students. Training opportunities in this country are also available under British Technical Assistance. Rhodesians also have their own university college in Salisbury to which Her Majesty's Government have given, and are pledged to give, very generous support.

Mr. Jackson

In thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that there are many hon. Members, on both sides of the House, who are not prepared to see the young people of Southern Rhodesia kept back and retarded in their knowledge and education? Does not my hon. Friend consider this to be a subject which might be raised at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference for an accelerated education programme?

Mr. Oram

It is not for me to say what the agenda of the Prime Ministers' Conference should be, but I certainly share my hon. Friend's concern that all possibilities of educational advance should be extended to Rhodesia.

Mr. Wall

Does the Minister agree that in Rhodesia there are more Africans at school as a percentage of the population than in any other independent State in Africa?