HC Deb 05 April 1960 vol 621 cc171-2
10. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why such small progress has been made with training African civil servants for promotion to higher rank in Kenya; and what is being done to accelerate training schemes.

Mr. Alport

The number of Africans in senior posts have increased by nearly 200 in the last four years. The recent Public Services Conference reviewed the problem throughout the African territories and the Kenya Government will have the results of this review to help them in extending their training plans. But the problem is basically an educational one and it is to be hoped that the extensive effort made to secure eight years of primary education for the great majority of children will bear fruit in the larger numbers going on to take secondary and higher education, and thus being equipped for the higher posts.

Mr. Callaghan

Is the Minister of State aware that there are Africans at the moment in the Service who, if given proper training in it, could qualify for higher posts? Could he ask the Secretary of State to call for a special report on this, because there is considerable dissatisfaction about the small numbers promoted at present?

Mr. Alport

I think the hon. Member will agree that the increase has been a very substantial one during the last four years, but I shall certainly undertake what he asks and bring this to the attention of my right hon. Friend when he returns.

Mr. W. R. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer to see how far the British Civil Service can assist these people in the acceleration of training schemes where that is necessary?

Mr. Alport

I shall call the attention of my right hon. Friend to that suggestion, but I think we should remember that the British Overseas Civil Service has been helping on these lines for a great many years past.