§ 10. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he proposes to take to improve the administration in the Seychelles.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe Governor of the Seychelles is responsible for the administration of the Colony; it is constantly under his review and he continues to seek improvements wherever possible. As my right hon. Friend has explained to the House. a main difficulty lies in the lack of funds for payment of the experienced and qualified staff required. Some revision of salaries is, however, now under consideration.
Steps are being taken to recruit additional administrative officers to help in the general departmental and accounting reorganisation which is in progress, and a scheme for the training of clerical staff is being worked out.
§ Mr. FletcherThat is all very well so far as it goes, but the Under-Secretary of State will remember that although the Governor is responsible, ultimately the Secretary of State is responsible; and in view of the widespread criticisms which have obtained in the past, can we not have an assurance from the Under-Secretary that the whole of this administration will now be overhauled?
§ Mr. ProfumoNo. That is all very well so far as it goes, but I cannot go further today.