§ 52. Mr. AMMONasked 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despatch of 9th September, 1920; is he aware that without notice to the officers concerned this privilege has been withdrawn by Colonial Office Despatch 744, of the. 18th May, 1922; and, having regard to the inequalities created by the recent decision, will he restore the privilege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. CHURCHILLThe 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 1670 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.