HC Deb 28 June 1966 vol 730 cc1566-7
17. Mr. Henry Clark

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many officers of South African nationality are serving in Basutoland; and what terms of service he is prepared to offer these officers when Basutoland becomes independent.

Mr. Oram

Eighty, Sir. Through the method and date of their appointments some of these officers are eligible for the benefits available under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme and will continue to be eligible after independence. As to the remainder, their terms of service will be the sole responsibility of the Government of Lesotho, which is their employer.

Mr. Clark

I find that Answer very unsatisfactory indeed. All the officers concerned are likely to lose their career prospects just as surely as expatriate officers in this country. Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will not follow the unfortunate precedent of East Africa where Indian and other Commonwealth expatriate officers were paid off with virtually no compensation? From his Answer, it seems that he proposes to do so.

Mr. Oram

As usual in such cases, there will be negotiated a public officers' agreement which will ensure that the terms and conditions of employment are not worsened.