HC Deb 20 October 1954 vol 531 cc165-6W
42. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what increases in school fees are proposed in the Federation of Malaya; and if he will have this matter reconsidered so as not to impose hardship on the parents unable to afford any increase in the fees and to deprive children of their education.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

A committee (under the chairmanship of the Member for Education), recently recommended increases ranging from seven shillings to £2 6s. 8d. a month for tuition in Government and Government-aided English secondary Schools. In order to provide free or partly-free places for children whose parents could not afford the full fees, the authorities would have discretion to remit up to a maximum of 37½ per cent. of the total sum payable as fees. This report is now being studied by the Governments of the States and Settlements and will subsequently be debated in the Legislative Council.