§ 81. Sir B. Neven-Spenceasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the return of planters' families to Malaya may be delayed owing to lack of educational facilities for children; whether any steps are being taken to reopen some of the schools in the hills; and if he will give an assurance that where the return of a family is delayed till after 31st December, 1946, owing to lack of educational facilities in Malaya, they will not thereby forfeit the privilege of a free passage.
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Mr. Creech JonesNo, Sir, I am not aware that the return of planters' families to Malaya may be delayed for the reason suggested. Educational facilities up to and including the school certificate examination are available in Government and aided English schools for the children of planters under the same conditions as for other children. It is expected that one of the former private hill schools will re-open in January, 1947. The last part of the hon. Member's Question does not therefore arise, though some deferment of the time limit for the privilege of free passages may be necessary on account of shipping difficulties.