§ 7. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations on what grounds African postmasters in Basutoland have been excluded from 601 the senior service since 1948 whilst fulfilling the same duties as white postmasters in the senior service.
§ Mr. BraineThis Question appears to be based on a misapprehension. The senior service in Basutoland ceased to exist in 1959.
§ Mr. BrockwayEven if that is technically true, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it is not the fact that up to 1948, African postmasters were of the same status as the European postmasters in Basutoland, but that in 1958, one African postmaster was reduced, and they have been reduced ever since? May I also ask the hon. Gentleman whether it is not desirable to end apartheid in our own Protectorates in South Africa?
§ Mr. BraineI do not accept for one moment that apartheid exists. Since 1959, all postmasters have fallen within Division 2 of the new structure of the Civil Service introduced in that year, and the salaries paid to officials are the same, irrespective of race.