§ 34. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what is his policy regarding the Africanisation of the administration in the Bechuanaland Protectorate; and what progress is being made in this matter.
§ Mr. AlportIt is the policy to employ more Africans in the administration of the Bechuanaland Protectorate as suitably qualified and trained Africans become 580 available. The junior service of the Protectorate is almost entirely composed of Africans; a start has been made with the appointment of Africans to the senior service.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Bechuana leaders feel that more can be done in this matter and that he could be more sympathetic? Does he not agree that this development of Africanisation is basic to the health and future political stability of this society?
§ Mr. AlportI agree that it is most important to continue the process of including an increasing number of qualified Africans in the Government Services in the Protectorate. That is our aim, although I emphasise that it is important, from the African's point of view as well as in the interests of the Protectorate, that these Africans should be fully qualified for the jobs to which they are appointed.