HC Deb 02 March 1955 vol 537 c268W
60. Sir R. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what inducement is given to administrative officers in the Colonial Service to learn native languages and dialects.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Each overseas Government has its own regulations, and they vary considerably. In most territories administrative officers are required to become proficient in a local language before they are confirmed in their appointments and are required to pass further language tests before they can pass certain points in their salary scales. Bonuses are offered for additional languages. If my hon. Friend is interested in any particular territory, I could let him have more precise information.