§ Sir C. Mott-Radclyffeasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether, in view of the important rôle which the three English schools in Cyprus play in the life of the community, Her Majesty's Government intend to provide further financial support for them when the current grants expire in 1962; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BraineYes. Her Majesty's Government are well aware of the excellent work being done by these schools. Their contribution in the educational field in Cyprus in indeed unique.
70WI am happy to be able to inform the House that the Government have decided to continue their aid to the schools for a further period of five years. For the academic year 1962–63 they propose to make available aid up to a maximum of £50,000. The precise manner in which this will be applied will be a matter for detailed negotiation between the British High Commissioner in Cyprus and the school boards.
It is our hope that, with this assurance of aid, the schools will be able to plan with renewed confidence for the future. I have no doubt that the very special rôle they have to play in the lives of the communities in Cyprus will meet with a sympathetic response from voluntary bodies and societies.