§ 13. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consideration has been given to the establishment of schools of Civil Service administration for qualified Africans in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia, respectively.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Nyasaland Government are at present considering the Report of a special Committee which has just reviewed the whole problem of training local officers for increased participation in senior Civil Service appointments. One of the Committee's recommendations is for a school of administration The Northern Rhodesian Government have agreed in principle to financial assistance being given for pre-service and in-service training for all races in the Civil Service, and are now formulating plans for courses for all grades and for increasing the number of scholarships for degree and diploma courses
§ Mr. FisherDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the establishment of such schools is very desirable, and indeed almost essential, in the context of the gradual transference of power to an African majority? If the Report which he mentions is accepted, how long does he estimate it will be before such schools could be established and put into operation?
§ Mr. MacleodI very much agree about the importance of this matter. I had the Report only a few days ago. It will be published as soon as possible. Although I cannot set a date for the implementation of any of these matters, in which decisions in principle have not yet been taken, I will certainly treat them as matters of urgency.