Secondary Education

Oral Answers to Questions — Bechuanaland – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 11 Chwefror 1964.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Eric Lubbock Mr Eric Lubbock , Orpington 12:00, 11 Chwefror 1964

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what schools in Bechuanaland are to be closed in the programme for centralisation of secondary education; and why this decision has been taken before the visit of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Mission on Education which is to visit the Protectorate later this year.

Photo of Mr Nigel Fisher Mr Nigel Fisher , Surbiton

One secondary school is to be closed. Two are to be developed as higher primary schools. The organisation of secondary education is part of the development plan for the Protectorate. At present provision exists for one new secondary school and the improvement of two others. Implementation of the remainder of the plan will be kept fluid pending advice of the U.N.E.S.C.O. mission and the provision of further funds.

Photo of Mr Eric Lubbock Mr Eric Lubbock , Orpington

How can it possibly make sense to have made this decision and then invited the U.N.E.S.C.O. mission to advise on it afterwards? Surely the decision should have been postponed until after its advice had been received? Very grave disquiet has been expressed by educationists in Bechuanaland about this proposal.

Photo of Mr Nigel Fisher Mr Nigel Fisher , Surbiton

I do not think so. We are just making a limited start because the U.N.E.S.C.O. mission unfortunately took a very long time to materialise. It was first requested in January last year and it is not yet in Bechuanaland, so we thought that we had better get on a bit.

Photo of Mr Eric Lubbock Mr Eric Lubbock , Orpington

Supposing the mission recommends that this secondary school be reopened, will that be possible?

Photo of Mr Nigel Fisher Mr Nigel Fisher , Surbiton

As advised by our education experts, we think that the steps we have taken are fairly safe and that the U.N.E.S.C.O. mission will not recommend otherwise.

Photo of Mr George Thomson Mr George Thomson , Dundee East

Will the proposed changes increase the provision of secondary education in Bechuanaland? There is anxiety that schools should be faced with closure at a time when the need for secondary education is very great.

Photo of Mr Nigel Fisher Mr Nigel Fisher , Surbiton

I understand the hon. Gentleman's anxiety. This is really a scheme for the centralisation of secondary education in six schools in order to provide better facilities and teaching. This is really a case of reculer pour mieux saucer.