§ 62. Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what contract British police officers are serving in Tripolitania; whether he is aware of their anxiety that their services may soon be dispensed with; and what arrangements are being made to ensure that suitable employment on a contract basis will be found.
§ Mr. YoungerBritish police officers in the British Administration in Tripolitania are serving on short-term contracts. I am well aware of the anxiety of these officers as to their future. Their continuance in employment with the Foreign Office Administration of African Territories after 31st December, 1951, will depend on the existence of suitable vacancies elsewhere in that Administration. Where it is not practicable so to absorb individuals, efforts will be made to find them other suitable employment.
§ Major BeamishWill the Minister bear in mind that these officers have given the best years of their lives to important and dangerous work, and that it would be most unfair for them to find themselves out of work in 1951? Will he do all he can, in co-operation with the Colonial Office and other Department, to find them suitable employment?
§ Mr. YoungerWe do our best, but the hon. and gallant Member will appreciate that some of these are contracting services and we cannot always guarantee further employment.