Mr. David Adamsasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that only one-third of the 175,000 children of Jamaica of school age have been attending elementary school since the beginning of this year; and will he state the main causes for this situation and also the action being taken by the Colonial Government to ensure this education for the whole child population of the Colony?
§ Mr. George HallIn view of the omission on the ground of economy of statistical tables from Colonial annual departmental reports, no recent figures of the children attending elementary schools in Jamaica are on record in the Colonial Office. But the latest figures available, which are for 1938–39, show that the average attendance throughout the year was about 57 per cent. of the number of children enrolled. In respect of the first part of the year 1939–40, my information is that the average attendance showed an204W increase on the previous year. More satisfactory measures of compulsory education and increased facilities for infant education are among the main objectives of the Colonial Government's education policy. The whole question is under examination by the Comptroller for Development and Welfare and his educational adviser.
Mr. Adamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the findings of the Committee recruiting youths in Jamaica for enlistment in the Royal Air Force show that, owing to their low secondary school education, less than 20 per cent. of applicants for enlistment are accepted; and what steps are being taken to remedy this situation?
§ Mr. HallI am asking the Governor for a copy of the report. I would, however, point out that in 1938–39 of the 15 candidates for the London Matriculation Examination, 9 passed, and of the 258 School Certificate candidates, 125 passed.