HC Deb 25 February 1964 vol 690 cc212-3
6. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation how many expatriate British civil servants are still being employed and paid by the Government of Zanzibar; and how many have had their employment terminated, and on what conditions, by the new Government.

Mr. Carr

One hundred and seventeen. of which about 80 are in post and the rest on vacation or terminal leave. Thirteen pensionable and four contract officers have had their employment terminated. The pensionable officers will receive their compensation in one lump sum. I do not yet know the terms for the four contract officers.

Mr. Wall

Will my right hon. Friend agree to watch the situation and the developments in Zanzibar and do what he can to safeguard the rights of the civil servants there? Can he tell me whether the Civil Service Commission established under the Constitution is still effective? Is he aware that I have information that some pensions due in January have not yet been paid?

Mr. Carr

I was not aware of the last piece of information, which I will look into most carefully and quickly. I must ask notice of the question about the Civil Service Commission. Regarding looking after the rights of service officers in Zanzibar, the House may like to know that before he left on 20th February the British High Commissioner was authorised to inform our overseas officers remaining there, both pensionable and contract, that the British Government in all circumstances would take all measures open to them to secure that the Zanzibar Government fulfils its obligations.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that great bitterness has been created among the civil servants in this and other Colonies by their being divided into the designated and the non-designated? Is he aware that the designated get far better treatment, higher salaries and terminal compensation payment as against the non-designated who get nothing of the kind? Will he examine the position again?

Mr. Carr

There is, of course, good reason for designation, and that is why the people designated get better terms. The other points raised by the hon. Member comprise another Question which I must ask him to put on the Order Paper.