HC Deb 15 February 1956 vol 548 cc257-8W
71. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at what date, and why, the teaching of English was abolished in schools in Cyprus; and of all the Greek-speaking teachers in Government schools in Cyprus since 1940, how many were Cypriots, how many came from Greece and other Greek-speaking places, and how much in pensions Greece has paid to teachers in Cyprus since 1945.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The teaching of English has not been abolished in Cyprus. It has indeed been extended in recent years in both elementary and secondary schools. Figures are not available to cover the position back to 1940, but no Greek nationals are at present employed by the Government which controls all the elementary and one of the secondary schools. I regret that information is not available to answer the last part of the Question.

85. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many primary and secondary schools in Cyprus have been closed on the Governor's orders; how many school children are not attending school; and what is the total number of children of school age in the island.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have asked the Governor for the information requested in the first and second parts of the Question, and will communicate it to the hon. Member as soon as I receive it. The total number of children attending elementary and secondary schools in 1954 was 89,000.