Sierra Leone

Fourah Bay College Funds (Collection)

42.

Mr. Sorensen
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why senior civil servants were dissuaded from collecting funds for Fourah Bay College; why the Chiefs were not allowed to collect money for this purpose; and, in view of the strong popular desire for the retention and development of Fourah Bay College, whether all direct or indirect opposition will now be withdrawn.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Creech Jones)
One senior officer of  the education department was advised against acting as a collector for the Fourah Bay Appeal Fund, because it was felt that such action by such an officer would suggest that the fund was officially sponsored or supported. Collections by Chiefs could not be approved, because any collections sponsored by them would be regarded by the people as a compulsory levy. It has been made clear to the organisers of the appeal that the Government will in no way interfere with any person wishing to contribute to the fund in his personal, as opposed to his official, capacity.

Mr. Sorensen
May I have an answer to the last part of my Question?

Mr. Creech Jones
There has been no opposition, either directly or indirectly, by the Sierra Leone Government.

Mr. Sorensen
Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he intends to safeguard the future of this institution?

Mr. Creech Jones
It is not a Government foundation. We have already made an offer to the governors of the body in regard to the transitional period immediately ahead.

Mr. Vane
Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that he prefers the principle of contracting in to contracting out?

Mr. Creech Jones
In this case, the continuance of this college as one of the higher educational institutions in West Africa is not quite consistent with the general policy for higher educational development in that region.

Mr. Sorensen
Is my right hon. Friend aware that public opinion in this area is very anxious that this college should continue to receive every support?

Mr. Creech-Jones
We have offered support during the transition period. In the place of this college, we have offered to found a territorial college which, from our point of view offers far greater advantages for educational development than the continuance of this university college.

Mr. Sorensen
What about their point of view?

Chief Commissioner's Residence (Expenditure)

43.

Mr. Sorensen
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the  need of financial expenditure on education and social services in Sierra Leone, why it was considered necessary to devote £10,000 for a proposed residence of a Chief Commissioner at Bo; and, in view of the fact that this proposal was only endorsed by the official majority in the Legislature, whether this expenditure will be reconsidered.

Mr. Creech Jones
A house for the Chief Commissioner is necessary because the Protectorate, administration has recently been concentrated at Bo and no suitable quarters exist there for this officer. I am asking the Acting Governor for a fuller report on the estimated provision, but my hon. Friend will understand that there is little difference in the cost of building in this country and in West Africa, and that this house is more than a private residence and must be of a type to enable the senior British representative in the Protectorate to meet his official and social responsibilities. According to my information the provision was opposed by four only of the ten unofficial members of the Legislative Council. It was supported by all the Protectorate unofficial members, and the matter was not taken to a division.

Mr. Sorensen
Does not the Secretary of State feel that the spending of £10,000 on this particular structure, while so much is denied to education in Sierra Leone, strikes the public as rather cynical?

Mr. Creech Jones
The building is necessary, and I am inquiring into the cost.

Dr. Segal
Is it not a fact that this expenditure can only be justified if it leads to much wider economic development?

Mr. Erroll
Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that accommodation at Bo is very primitive for British officials, and an improvement is urgently necessary?

Bermuda (Workers' Association, Petition)

44.

Mr. Skinnard
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on action taken in Bermuda following the publication of Command Paper 7093.

Mr. Creech Jones
A joint Committee of members of the Legislative Council and of the House of Assembly has been appointed to report on the matters raised in the Petition from the Bermuda Workers' Association. It is understood that the Committee hope to submit their Report to the Legislature during the present Session. I shall certainly give the Report my early consideration as soon as I receive it with the Governor's comments.