§ Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps are being taken to staff the lower grades of the public services in Basutoland with Africans; and how many Europeans are now employed in these grades.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerApart from those posts in the public service which have always been held by Africans, 99 posts in categories formerly occupied by Europeans have been filled in recent years by the appointment of Africans. These include such posts as postmasters, revenue clerks, trained nurses, technical school instructors, gaolers, and Public Works Department overseers. It is also intended that Africans should replace Europeans in 62 further posts in similar categories as and when vacancies arise and suitably qualified personnel becomes available. The total number of posts regarded as "lower grades" is 175, of which 107 are held at present by Africans and 68 by Europeans.