§ 18. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans have been made for the development of education in the British Solomon Islands; what is the estimated cost; and what action is being taken.
§ Mr. WhitlockThe plans are set out in a White Paper approved by the Solomon Islands Legislative Council in December, 1967; a copy is being placed in the Library. The general policy is to accelerate expansion of the education system and satisfactory progress is being made in implementing the plans. With permission, I will circulate more detail in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, at least until 1967, there was really a very small programme 1079 of education in the Solomon Islands? In those circumstances, will he give the matter his personal attention and see that it is pursued with great vigour?
§ Mr. WhitlockAs I have explained, there is now this new plan to develop the educational system of the Solomon Islands. I feel sure that, when the hon. Gentleman looks at the plan, he will see that satisfactory progress is being made.
The following is the information:
A five year programme of educational development is outlined in the White Paper. This programme aims to accelerate expansion of the educational system. It includes a new system of assistance designed to improve standards of staffing and equipment in primary schools; the development of the Government secondary schools and assistance to Church secondary schools; the increased output of trained teachers; and the establishment of a technical institute.2. Under the plan, recurrent expenditure would rise from $A.500,000 in 1967 to $A.1m. in 1972, and capital expenditure of $A.700,000 would be undertaken in this period. In addition the capital cost of the first stage of the Honiara Technical Institute is estimated at $A.430,000 and annual recurrent expenditure at $A.150,000.3. Implementation of the plan is generally up to schedule. Ten full range primary, fifteen senior primary and four junior primary schools have been approved this year as qualifying for assistance on the new basis, and a total of $A.230,000 for recurrent subsidies plus $A.100,000 for capital grants will be paid to educational authorities in 1968. In addition, recurrent expenditure by the Protectorate Government on education (other than technical education) will be $A.470,000 in 1968 and capital expenditure will amount to $A.75,000.4. The estimated capital cost of the first stage of the technical institute now under construction will be $A.430.000 and annual recurrent expenditure $A.150,000 by 1969. The institute will open in January, 1969 with a limited intake of pre-technical artisan and clerical training in addition to courses already available at various schools which will be incorporated in the institute.