HC Deb 29 May 1962 vol 660 cc1127-8
2. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation whether, with a view to encouraging research experts to remain in and to be recruited for West Africa, a scheme of compensation for change of status for members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service engaged interterritorially in research has been agreed with the Governments of Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and the Gambia.

The Secretary of Technical Co-operation (Mr. Dennis Vosper)

An officer of my Department is at present in West Africa for discussions with the Governments there on such a scheme. I will keep the hon. Member in touch with the progress of the discussions.

Mr. Tilney

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the equivalent scientific personnel in East Africa, who appeared in the pipeline much later than the scientists in West Africa, have already had their compensation agreed? Would he not agree that this delay is very detrimental both to recruiting and to morale?

Mr. Vosper

Yes. I have that very much in mind. We are negotiating here with at least four Governments. That has accounted for the rather longer delay than I should like in bringing these discussions to a head.