HC Deb 15 May 1958 vol 588 cc586-7
10. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service have applied to be considered for the Special List.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Three hundred and five applications have been received in the Colonial Office, and four officers have subsequently withdrawn their applications.

Mr. Tilney

Will my right hon. Friend agree that these figures are somewhat disappointing, and will he consider so widening the Special List that a Commonwealth-wide Overseas Civil Service can be built up?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes, Sir, the figures are certainly disappointing, though they represent some 15 per cent. of the officers entitled to apply for consideration. As my hon. Friend knows, Sir John Martin's report upon his recent visit to Nigeria in connection with this matter is now under very close examination.

Mr. Creech Jones

Is the Special List still limited to Nigeria, or is it contemplated that Malaya and other territories shall be included?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the right hon. Gentleman appreciates, I have no Parliamentary responsibility for Malaya now, but I understand that discussions have taken place—they are not yet quite concluded—with the Government of Malaya, and also with the Government of Singapore, for which I speak in this House.