§ 41. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why 50 U.S. geologists are being permitted to visit the Colonies; what facilities are being granted to them; why this work cannot be undertaken by British geologists; and what security measures are being taken.
§ 72. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he is asking 50 U.S. geologists to survey the coast-to-coast African railway; and why he is not inviting British geologists to do the work.
Mr. Creech JonesIt is hoped to recruit some 25, not 50, United States geologists for attachment for three years to the Colonial Geological Service. The Service cannot obtain enough qualified British geologists, owing to the break in training during the war. It is also hoped to recruit for attachment for three years to the Directorate of Colonial Surveys 24 to 30 geodetic engineers for work in East and Central Africa, including areas where railway development is planned. The geologists and geodetic engineers will carry out the same duties and enjoy the same facilities as British members of the two Services.
Before requesting the assistance of the American Government every effort was made to secure qualified British recruits to both these Services by advertisement and by direct contact with universities and professional bodies.
§ Mr. PiratinMay I ask, first, whether in making efforts to recruit British geologists and scientists the salaries were a sufficient incentive to induce them to do the job as were, presumably, the salaries for the Americans; and, secondly, whether a reply can be given to the last part of the Question regarding security measures against these foreigners?
§ Mr. PiratinMay I have a reply to the second part of my supplementary question?
§ Mr. ErrollCan the Minister say whether these United States geologists will be paid in sterling, in dollars or in convertible sterling?
§ Mr. CobbDo I understand my right hon. Friend to say that the American geologists will be paid exactly the same rates of pay as the British?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreWith regard to the final part of the Question about security measures, are these, possibly, the same security measures as those applied to our diplomatic representatives in Moscow?
§ Mr. AwberyCan the Minister tell us how long this collaboration has been going on between the questioners who have asked Questions No. 41 and No. 72, and is it symptomatic of the future?