§ 26. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British Colonial civil servants are now serving as district officers and otherwise in British Colonial territories and Protectorates; and what is approximately the number of those who, during the past five years, were in the British Colonial Service but who have continued to serve in ex-Colonial Territories when these became self-governing, under arrangements concluded with Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. ProfumoAbout 16,000 pensionable overseas officers and 6,600 non-pensionable overseas officers were serving in the dependent territories at the beginning of this year.
As regards the second part of the Question, which relates partly to territories for whose administration Her Majesty's Government are no longer responsible, I am not in a position to supply the total figure requested, but I wil1 send the hon. Member such information as is available.
§ Mr. SorensenMeanwhile, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether his general impression is that a large number of these colonial servants are continuing in territories when they become self-governing? If that is so, will not it be highly encouraging to ourselves as well as to these territories?
§ Mr. ProfumoYes, Sir. I am glad to say from information at the moment available to me that it appears that an appreciable number of officers formerly in Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service are still serving.