HC Deb 13 November 1952 vol 507 cc99-100W
Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the five-year plan for African education in Nyasaland, as shown by increases in funds allocated, in the number of boys and girls, respectively, completing an eight-year course at school, in the number of scholarships awarded to Africans, and in the number of teachers in post and in training.

Mr. Lyttelton

The first five-year plan for African education covered the period 1945 to 1949; a second five-year plan began in 1950. Figures for the beginning and end of the first plan and for the most recent date available, to show progress in the fields mentioned by the hon. Member, are as follows(i) Government expenditure, including expenditure from Colonial Development and Welfare funds, has amounted to:

  • 1945—£65,896.
  • 1949—£129,724.
  • 1952—£208,000 (estimated).
Contributions have been made by native authorities since 1950; these have increased from £20,000 in 1950 to £33,000 in 1952. (ii) The number of pupils completing an eight-year course was:
  • 1945—209 boys; 11 girls.
  • 1949—518 boys; 41 girls.
  • 1951—388 boys; 20 girls.
 The drop in the 1951 figure is the result of the alteration of classes caused by the introduction in 1948 of age limits at which children might be accepted for primary education. Previously the eight-year course consisted of kindergarten, three junior classes, and standards I to IV. By 1949 this was changed to sub-standards A and B and standards I to VI. A truer picture is given by the figures for children passing standard VI examination; which are:
  • 1945—113 boys; nil girls.
  • 1949—295 boys; 14 girls.
  • 1952—459 boys; 29 girls.
 (iii) Number of scholarships awarded to Africans:
  • 1945—3.
  • 1949—5.
  • 1951—9, plus 4 from C.D. and W. funds.
  • 1952—7, plus 6 from C.D. and W. funds.
 (iv) Number of teachers employed:
  • 1945—3,187.
  • 1949—2,509.
  • 1951—2,469.
  • 1952—2,630 (estimated).
 The drop is due to a policy of reduction of the number of untrained teachers. (v) Number of teachers in training:
  • 1945—582.
  • 1949—719.
  • 1951—697.
  • 1952—500 (estimated).
 The drop in 1951 and 1952 is due to the fact that the low standard domestic grade courses for men are now abolished and a higher grade course has been instituted.