§ Miss RATHBONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what is the present policy with regard to the education of Moslems in the northern provinces of Nigeria;
(2) what is the annual Government expenditure on the education Of Moslem women and girls in the northern provinces of Nigeria; and how much of this expenditure is devoted to buildings and equipment and how much to salaries;
(3) how many Moslem female pupils are now under instruction at Government educational centres in the northern provinces of Nigeria; and how many have actually passed through these centres?
§ Dr. SHIELSIt is not possible to give a statement of policy at full length, but in general terms the policy of Government is to encourage the education of Moslems in every possible way having regard to their religious susceptibilities and the present necessity of strict economy in every Department. Expenditure on the education of women and girls is not shown separately, nor is the expenditure on buildings divided between male and female. The two Government educational centres for women are only in process of being established, and therefore it is not likely that any girls have passed through them, nor have I any information as to the members under instruction; but my Noble Friend will make inquiries on all the points raised.