§ 41. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that African opposition to the Beecher Report was not only due to the salaries of teachers but was also concerned with the limitation of primary school courses to four years and the heavy financial burden placed on the African community by the building and equipping of schools and the increased school fees; and whether he can therefore reconsider its implementation.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI am aware that the African members made a number of criticisms of the Beecher Report during the debate in Legislative Council. Africans are not, however, universally opposed to it despite criticism of sections of it. The Report will lead to a very considerable expansion and improvement of African schools at all levels and will involve greatly increased expenditure from central Government as well as local Government funds. The abandonment of the scheme would be a severe blow to African advancement. I do not therefore propose to suggest to the Government of Kenya that they reconsider their decision to implement the Report.