HC Deb 16 July 1952 vol 503 cc158-9W
72. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken by the British Administration of Eritrea for the transfer of power to the Eritrean Assembly in accordance with the resolution of the United Nations Assembly, 1950; and how the members of the Eritrean Government will be appointed.

Mr. Nutting

The British Administration will transfer power to an Eritrean Government formed in accordance with the Constitution by 15th September, the date of federation provided for in the United Nations resolution. The draft Constitution has recently been approved by the Eritrean Assembly but has still to be approved by the United Nations Commissioner and ratified by the Emperor of Ethiopia. Under it the Assembly would elect the head of the Government and he in turn would appoint its members. Meanwhile the Chief Administrator, after consultation with the United Nations Commissioner and the Emperor, has asked the Assembly to elect an Executive Committee, which while not constituting a Government will be able in the interim period to enter into certain necessary commitments on behalf of the future Government, such as signing contracts with officials and ordering stores required after the transfer of power in September.

73. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far the induction of Eritreans into the Eritrean Administration has proceeded; and what are the respective numbers of Eritreans and other nationalities now employed in administrative, technical and clerical positions in each Department.

Mr. Nutting

Since July, 1951, when the induction scheme was first introduced, a total of 1,961 Eritreans have been brought into the Administration. Some of these are employed in categories other than those referred to in the Question.

The total number of Eritreans and other nationalities at present employed in the administrative, technical and clerical positions in the various Departments of the Administration is:

Eritreans 1,345
British 55
Italians 725
Others 67

These employees are distributed in the various Departments of the Administration as follows:

In administrative posts
Eritreans 30
British 34
In technical posts
Eritreans 580
Italians 445
Others 8
In clerical posts
Eritreans 735
British 21
Italians 280
Others 59