§ 22. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make a statement about the dismissal of British employees by the Government of Cyrenaica.
§ Mr. NuttingThirty-seven British officials have recently left the service of the Cyrenaican Administration. Of these 31 were serving on two-year contracts which expired on 31st May, 1952; 12 of these were offered, but declined, renewal of their contracts; three were officials who resigned their appointments of their own volition, although their contracts still had some time to run; three had contracts running into 1955, but were given notice by the Government of Cyrenaica. These three appointments were terminated in full accordance with the terms of the contracts, and I understand that compensation has been paid.
§ Mr. ReidCan the hon. Gentleman say whether all these dismissals or discharges, or whatever they are called, were just or unjust?
§ Mr. NuttingI have no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the Administrations of either Cyrenaica or Tripolitania are doing other than treating their British employees quite fairly. I would draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the answer which I have just given, which shows that only three British officials 2234 have been dismissed. The rest have either refused or have not taken up any further contract with the Government. After the 37 have been deducted, there still remain some 157 British officials in the employment of the Cyrenaican Government.