§ 4. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many appointments have been filled in the Colonial Service in the last two years; and what is the present total cost of their salaries and allowances.
Mr. Creech JonesThe number of expatriate officers recruited to the Colonial Service by my Department in 1948 and the first nine months of the present year was 2,329. As these officers are paid by Colonial Governments at rates which vary widely according to the nature of the job and the locality in which they are serving, I regret that it would not be possible to answer the second part of the Question without imposing undue extra work on my officials.
§ Sir W. SmithersIn view of the desperate economic situation caused by this Government, were these appointments all really necessary?
Mr. H. D. HughesAs colonial development is still being held up by the shortage of qualified personnel, will my right hon. Friend say how many vacancies there still are in the Colonial Service and what steps are being taken to fill them?
§ 29. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what special terms by way of increased pension or gratuity are given to members of the 1193 Colonial Civil Service recruited from overseas on abolition of office in the event of a territory being granted self-government.
Mr. Creech JonesThis is a matter which has to be considered as the occasion arises. Compensation in past instances has been generous and reasonable.