§ 42. Mr. William Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which senior Colonial Office officials have recently been absent from the Gold Coast at the same time; for how long; and how many are still absent.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Governor, Sir Gerald Creasy, left the Gold Coast on medical advice on 2nd March, a month before the time at which he would normally have come on leave and is still here. The Chief Commissioner, Ashanti, came on leave at the same time and is due to return in July. No other senior administrative officers are now, or have 2112 recently been, absent from the Gold Coast.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes that not mean that while they are away, other senior officials have to take their posts temporarily, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable worry which is being caused under the present conditions in the Gold Coast when so many senior officials are away?
Mr. Creech JonesIt necessarily follows that if a senior administrative officer is away someone must deputise for him.