§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether compulsory attendance at school operates in all parts of Jamaica; what are the age limits for such attendance; whether there is adequate school accommodation for the number of children eligible to attend; and what is the average attendance in elementary schools?
§ Sir T. InskipSchool attendance in Jamaica is compulsory in Kingston and certain other urban areas between the ages of eight and 14 years. It is not compulsory on the rest of the Island. Accommodation in primary schools is not fully adequate for the number of children eligible to attend. In 1937, the latest year for which figures are available, the average attendance in primary schools was 61 per cent, of the total roll in the compulsory areas, 54 per cent, in the non-compulsory areas, and 55 per cent. in the whole Island. The average attendance represented approximately 67 per cent. of the number of children for whom accommodation was available.