HC Deb 28 June 1956 vol 555 cc72-4W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British officials in Aden and the Aden Protectorate are proficient in Arabic.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I assume that the question refers to British officials who were not born in Aden or the Protectorate. Of 190 such officials, 63 have passed Arabic examinations or, owing to proficiency acquired before appointment to the territory, have been regarded as qualified in Arabic. Six of these have passed the higher examination, 18 the lower and 39 the elementary. A total of 113 of the remaining officials comprises those who have not yet completed the period of 18 months' service within which an Arabic examination should be passed, those serving on temporary engagements, and those who have reached the age of 35 before appointment to the territory and who are not obliged to pass an examination in Arabic.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to increase the number of Arabic-speaking officials of the Colonial Office in Aden and the Protectorate.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Under the regulations of the territory officers on permanent terms of service whose native language is not Arabic are required to pass an elementary standard examination in Arabic within 18 months of arrival in Aden.

Certain officers, e.g., the District Commissioner, Political Officers, Magistrates, Accountants, and Police, Medical, Education, Customs and Prisons Officers are required to pass a further Arabic examination, the lower standard, within four years of arrival.

The District Commissioner, the Education Officer in the Protectorate, and Political and Agricultural Officers, are required to pass a higher standard examination in Arabic within six years of arrival in the territory.

Failure to pass the appropriate examination within the prescribed time normally carries the penalty of deferment of confirmation in appointment for officers serving on probation, or the withholding of increments of salary for other officers. A payment of £18 15s. is made to officers who pass the lower standard examination and a payment of £37 10s. to those who pass the higher standard examination. Officers who have reached the age of 35 before the appointment to the territory are not obliged to pass a language examination.

The Governor fully realises the importance of a knowledge of Arabic for officers serving in Aden and the Protectorate and I do not consider that any further steps are required.

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