§ 59. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present proposals in respect of future educational development in the Federation of Malaya and in Singapore, both in respect of post-primary education and the co-ordination of different racial and other types of existing schools and their financial assistance from Governments; and how many schools have been closed because of political activities.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydA special committee considered last year the pace at which, having regard to the resources of the Federation of Malaya, it would be possible to apply the policy outlined in the Education Ordinance, 1952. The Committee's report is comprehensive, covering post-primary education and the establishment of a national school system, and I am placing a copy of it, together with a statement by the Federation Government, in the Library of the House.
In Singapore post-primary education is provided in 49 schools either run or fully aided by the Singapore Government. 174W Approval has been given for the construction of eight further schools, including two secondary technical schools, within the next year. Post-primary education is also provided by several schools, including ten Chinese language schools, which are not fully aided by the Government. An all-party Committee of the Legislative Assembly is at present considering the position in schools in which Chinese is the medium of instruction.
No schools have been closed because of political activities either in Singapore or in the Federation.