§ Mr. M. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is satisfied that in Aden the employment of ex-Sudan officers is not blocking the promotion of regular Colonial Service officers; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what percentage of the super scale posts in Aden are held by ex-Sudan officers.
§ Mr. J. AmeryTaking the Aden Colony and Protectorate establishments together, 9.4 per cent. of the officers holding super-scale appointments have at some time been employed in the Sudan. I am satisfied that the employment of these officers is in the best interests of the public service and that when vacancies occur, the claims of regular Service officers are always fully considered on their merits.
§ Mr. M. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1), in view of the injustice caused by the retention of the rank of Administrative Assistant in scale B in the Aden Secretariat, if he will place the officers concerned on scale A with the title of Assistant Secretary;
(2) the differences in duties performed by an Assistant Secretary in Aden on scale A and an Administrative Assistant on scale B;
(3) why the rank or title of Administrative Assistant was introduced in Aden in the Secretariat; and if he is satisfied that it is necessary to retain this rank.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThe post of Administrative Assistant was abolished at the beginning of the current financial year. It was introduced as a training grade, and when it was abolished there was a proportionate increase in the number of posts of Assistant Secretary. Assistant Secretaries are appointed on A or B scales according to qualifications and experience. I am satisfied that there is no injustice involved.