§ Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now make a statement regarding the changes contemplated in the administrative arrangements for Brunei.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsYes. Certain administrative changes have recently been agreed between the Governor-General and His Highness the Sultan and members of the State Council of Brunei, and approved by His Majesty the King. As the result of these changes the Governor of Sarawak will assume the duties of High Commissioner for Brunei, Heads of certain Sarawak technical departments will be available to act in an advisory capacity to His Highness the Sultan; and officers of the Sarawak Service will be seconded for service with the Brunei Administration in the same way as officers on the Malayan Establishment are now seconded. These changes are administrative and involve no alteration in the position of Brunei as a State under His Majesty's protection nor in the status and powers of His Highness the Sultan and his State Council.