§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens on contract to the Ugandan Government working on the various aid programmes have been dismissed or have recently left Uganda; and what is being done to compensate them for loss of job and property.
§ Mr. WoodSince the beginning of September last, 111 have been dismissed or have returned to Britain after prematurely ending their contracts.
140WDepending on individual circumstances, Her Majesty's Government are making ex gratia payments or advances to them in respect of:
- (a) homeward passage and baggage costs, and any contractual penalties relating to outward passage and baggage costs and outfit allownce;
- (b) salary (basic and supplementation) for the period of accrued leave or for three months, whichever is the greater;
- (c) gratuity at the rate of 25 per cent. of basic salary and supplementation earned during the period of service and during (b);
141 - (d) one-twelfth of a month's salary (basic and supplementation) for the unexpired period of the contract after the period at (b);
- (e) one month's salary (basic and supplementation) in lieu of notice to people who were required to leave Uganda at instant notice.
It is for the Government of Uganda to release, or pay compensation for, property which they have not so far allowed out of the country. The Acting British High Commissioner in Kampala has made strong representations to the Government of Uganda that the people concerned should be able to arrange for any property they have left behind to be exported in the normal way, and also to remit to Britain any assets remaining in blocked bank accounts. Details of such property and assets may be recorded with the Uganda Property Record Section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The services of my appointments officers are available to help those who want to work elsewhere overseas. The Overseas Service Resettlement Bureau is available to help those who now want to find employment in Britain.