Oral Answers to Questions — Somalia (Technical and Cultural Assistance)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 April 1958.

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Photo of Sir Austen Albu Sir Austen Albu , Edmonton 12:00, 16 April 1958

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussions he has had with the British Council on the teaching of English in the Trusteeship Territory of Somalia.

Photo of Bernard Braine Bernard Braine , Essex South East

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action is being taken to provide technical and cultural assistance to the Trusteeship Territory of Somalia.

Photo of Mr Selwyn Lloyd Mr Selwyn Lloyd , Wirral

As a result of inquiries which I caused to be made into the teaching of English in the Trusteeship Territory of Somalia, the British Council was invited on 1st April to prepare plans for the teaching of English there so that urgent consideration might be given to their financial implications. I understand that the plans will be available very shortly. The teaching of English is the first requirement. If this can be met, the provision of technical and cultural assistance can be considered too.

Photo of Sir Austen Albu Sir Austen Albu , Edmonton

I am sure that the House will welcome that reply, but is the Foreign Secretary aware of the urgency of the matter? At the present time, English is being taught in the Egyptian schools as a method of attracting students into them.

Photo of Mr Selwyn Lloyd Mr Selwyn Lloyd , Wirral

I am aware of the urgency of this matter.

Photo of Bernard Braine Bernard Braine , Essex South East

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say whether it is envisaged that a mobile cinema van will be made available shortly? There is a demand for it. Also, can anything be done to remedy the acute shortage of English books?

Photo of Mr Selwyn Lloyd Mr Selwyn Lloyd , Wirral

I will certainly consider both those matters. Of course, the difficulty is finance. We make a very considerable financial contribution to the Somalis by way of the British Protectorate. The problem is shortage of money.

Photo of Sir Austen Albu Sir Austen Albu , Edmonton

Do I understand the Secretary of State's last reply to imply that we are in favour of the unification of Somalia with the British Protectorate when the British Protectorate becomes independent?

Photo of Mr Selwyn Lloyd Mr Selwyn Lloyd , Wirral

That question goes a very long way beyond the Question on the Order Paper.