HC Deb 03 August 1922 vol 157 cc1669-70
52. Mr. AMMON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, as a result of representations, it was laid down that junior postmasters in Kenya Colony should be entitled to first-class travelling facilities between Kenya Colony and Great Britain; that. this decision was confirmed by Colonial Office despatch of 9th September, 1920; is he aware that without notice to the officers concerned this privilege has been withdrawn by Colonial Office Despatch 744, of the. 18th May, 1922; and, having regard to the inequalities created by the recent decision, will he restore the privilege which the men have enjoyed for the last two years?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The expectation of first-class passages for junior postmasters was held out at a time when it was believed to be the desire of the local Government to grant that privilege. When it was found that a misunderstanding had occurred, the privilege was confined to those who had definitely been promised it as a condition of their appointment. I have had no previous indication that the decision was not fully accepted by the officials concerned, and, while I am reluctant, in the interests of economy, to reverse the intentions of the local Government, I will go into the matter further with the Governor.