§ Mr. L. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the large number of British subjects who, through recent economic difficulties, have been repatriated to this country owing to the loss of their employment; and whether he will consider issuing local overseas announcements in favour of the re-engagement as soon as possible of such men who desire reemployment?
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Mr. M. MacDONALDIt is not quite clear whether the question refers to officials in the service of Colonial Governments or to persons in private employment. So far as the latter are concerned, the engagement of staff rests with the private employer, and I do not think that any purpose would be served by such announcements as my hon. Friend suggests. As regards ex-officials of Colonial Governments, I can assure my hon. Friend that it is the practice to offer appointments in the Colonial Service to retrenched officers whenever circumstances permit.