asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Gold Coast Education Department intends to take over the Church of England junior schools in Accra now closed down through lack of funds.

I have asked the Acting Governor for information and will write to my hon. Friend.

Can we take it that the children who failed to receive education are not receiving it now owing to lack of funds and that we shall accommodate these people when the schools open?

That question raises very difficult points of policy. The matter is within the competence of the local government, and we are watching the matter.