HC Deb 20 November 1946 vol 430 cc122-3W
104. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that dissatisfaction has been expressed in Malaya regarding the method of appointment of officers 10 the Malayan Union Transport Board; and if he will state the number of appointments already made to that board, with their salaries and the qualifications demanded; and why these appointments were not advertised publicly.

Mr. Creech Jones

No, Sir. I am not aware of any such dissatisfaction. Of the 27 higher appointments under the Malayan Union Transport Board, 14 have been filled by new recruitment and the remainder by available prewar staff. The salaries of new appointments no doubt vary within time scales ranging between £560 per annum and £1,120 per annum, but exact information about every case is not available in this country. The qualifications demanded were previous experience of motor transport work and personal suitability, and the selection for new appointments was made from those members of the Fighting Services who were applicants, in accordance with conditions circulated throughout the Army and Royal Air Force, for appointments to the Civil Affairs Staff of the Military Administration and to the service of the Civil Governments which were to succeed that Administration.