HC Deb 21 May 1947 vol 437 cc2330-1
59. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that more than 300 officials have lost their employment as a result of the enforcement of the provisions of Secretariat Circular No. 9/1946 in Sarawak; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Creech Jones

The officials in question resigned their appointments in circumstances which were fully explained in my reply to a question on 22nd January last. I have nothing to add to that reply.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Does my hon. Friend realise that what has happened in the case of these 300 officials is nothing more nor less than a form of political victimisation so far as their employment is concerned?

Mr. Creech Jones

Surely these persons resigned entirely on their own responsibility and they were immediately replaced by other Malays.

Mrs. Manning

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 58 out of 60 teachers here are not in schools, and what is being done to give the children their schooling?

Mr. Creech Jones

I understand that there are 73 teachers but endeavours are being made to fill the appointments.