HC Deb 30 June 1966 vol 730 cc2166-7
7. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many school pupils in Bechuanaland qualified last year for secondary education; how many of these pupils were able to secure places at secondary schools; how many qualified teachers there are at the secondary schools; and how many of these teachers are expatriates.

Mr. Frederick Lee

The figures are: 1,539; 535; 47; and 42. There are in addition seven A level volunteer teachers.

Mr. Judd

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that on the eve of independence this is a very sad state illustrating the dependence on external assistance? Can he assure us that in talks about independence there has been consideration of stepping up educational facilities in Bechuanaland?

Mr. Lee

As my hon. Friend knows, internal self-government has been with Bechuanaland since March last year. There is a question of priorities which that Government decide upon. I do not know that we can affect that at this stage.