HC Deb 02 May 1956 vol 552 cc379-80
26. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many District Commissioners there have been at Fort Johnston in the last eight years; and what steps he is taking to obviate frequent changes.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

There have been nine District Commissioners at Fort Johnston in this period. Shortage of staff and the incidence of leave sometimes make frequent changes unavoidable, but Fort Johnston has suffered particularly from the retirement and illness of District Commissioners.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that frequent administrative changes are in general undesirable, and that elsewhere they may have been a factor in the spread of Mau-Mau?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes, that is by no means improbable. I have every sympathy with the Government of Nyasaland who, despite the most Herculean efforts, are still on the administration side, seventeen below strength. It is up to me in particular, and all those responsible, to do all we can to supplement their staff.