§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the assistance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation is at 212W present being used or contemplated in connection with education in British Colonial Territories, and especially in connection with the reduction of the high level of illiteracy therein, particularly in the African territories.
§ Mr. LytteltonHer Majesty's Government and Colonial Governments are participating in the educational programmes of this organisation. British territories were represented at the conference held at Bangkok last year to assess the educational needs of South-East Asia and some will take part in a conference in India next month on compulsory education. U.N.E.S.C.O. recently gave assistance to the adult education seminar in the West Indies and has provided an expert for literacy work in Jamaica.
Most of the British African territories are taking part this month in a study of vernacular languages in Nigeria. Of the 12 fundamental education projects directly linked with U.N.E.S.C.O. 10 are situated in Africa. The Gold Coast Government are hoping to secure expert help for their rural training centres and for the production of mass education material.