HC Deb 03 April 1950 vol 473 cc120-1W
Mr. Amory

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what schools and colleges there are in Bechuanaland and other similar African territories for female native education; and what steps are being taken to increase the provision of educational facilities for females in step with that for males.

Mr. Gordon-Walker

Almost all native schools in the three High Commission Territories are co-educational, and, owing largely to the preoccupation of boys in herding livestock, they contain a majority of girls. The latest available figures of enrolment are approximately:

Basutoland:

  • 30,230 boys.
  • 56,810 girls.

Bechuanaland Protectorate:

  • 6,230 boys.
  • 10,140 girls.

Swaziland:

  • 4,970 boys.
  • 6,030 girls.

These figures include primary and secondary schools. The main limiting factor in expanding secondary school facilities for both sexes is finance.

In my reply to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 23rd March, I gave detailed information about education in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. I should be happy to supply any further available information on the subject which may be desired.