HC Deb 03 April 1962 vol 657 cc183-4
2. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation whether he will now make a further statement concerning the retirement of pensionable staff of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service employed inter-territorially in West Africa.

Mr. Vosper

While 1 recognise the urgency of the matter, I am afraid that I am not yet able to add to the reply 1 gave my hon. Friend on 27th February. Discussions are now taking place in West Africa, and I am sure it would be better to await their outcome.

Mr. Tilney

Am I not right in thinking that the East African research specialists, whose case came up much later than that of the West African research specialists, have been dealt with long ago? Is not this a very bad advertisement for those who are thinking of volunteering for service in West Africa?

Mr. Vosper

My hon. Friend is quite correct in saying that the East African problem has been brought to a successful conclusion. It is because there is no agreement in West Africa that this problem, the urgency of which I recognise, arises. I am hopeful that it will be settled satisfactorily.

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