§ 29. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken on the representations made in August, 1966 to the Secretary of State for the Colonies by the Designated Permanent and Pensionable Officers Association of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, about pensions and conditions of service.
§ Mr. WhitlockThe representations of the Association were investigated by a Staffing Mission from the Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Overseas Development in April, 1967. As a result, the level of expatriate officers' emoluments was substantially increased with effect from April, 1967. The Mission also recommended measures to improve conditions of service in the longer term, and these will be discussed with the staff very shortly.
§ Mr. IrvineIn view of the relatively high number of resignations from the service, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is likely to be a future for officers serving the Solomons?
§ Mr. WhitlockAs I have indicated, substantial improvements in the current emoluments have been introduced and this provides a breathing space while we are working on a scheme which would retain the experienced staff as necessary to keep the administration going, while 1069 meeting their reasonable claims for recognition that their career prospects have suffered.