§ 17. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will make a statement about education assistance planned for the Republic of Somalia for the three years 1968–69,1969–70 and 1970–71.
§ Mr. OramWe hope to meet all suitable requests from the Somali Government for teachers and teacher trainers in Somalia and for the training of Somali students in Britain.
In addition, the British Council has reopened there.
§ Mr. JohnsonDoes the Minister accept Somalis' keen desire to learn English and the great need for student scholarships and English teachers in the Territory? Can my right hon. Friend say a word about the visit of the Somali Education Minister who was here a short while ago? Was he satisfied with what we have just heard the Minister say has been done?
§ Mr. OramThe Minister, with his advisers, paid a visit to our Ministry and I had the opportunity of a close discussion with him about the educational needs of his country. I can assure my hon. Friend that the needs of Somalia, including that of the teaching of English, are very much in our minds and we are eager to help in any way possible.