Mr. Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps the Government of Fiji are taking towards making its secondary schools multi-racial as a means of increasing racial understanding.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydTwo Government secondary schools are multi-racial. Three non-Government multi-racial secondary schools have been grant-aided this year and the Fiji Government plans to extend financial assistance to further similar schools in 1957. In addition, a post-school certificate course, which will be multi-racial, is to be started at the Boys' Grammar School, Suva, in 1957.
Mr. Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Fijian and Indian children in Fiji do not attend 48W any school; what proportion of those at primary schools go on to secondary schools; and what plans the Fiji Government have to extend its Teachers' Training College.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt was estimated in 1953 that 16,000 children aged 6–14 were not attending school. The current figure is not yet known accurately, but it is not expected to exceed 20,000.
The number of pupils admitted in 1956 to post-primary schools (1,170) represent 44 per cent. of the total number enrolled in the highest primary classes the previous year.
Subject to the approval of the Legislative Council, the Government of Fiji will spend £21,300 (Fijian) on extensions to the Teachers' Training College in 1957: it is hoped that further extensions will be possible in 1958. The functions of the Educational Research Institute will be taken over in 1957 by the College, whose staff is being increased from 10 to 14.