HC Deb 28 February 1956 vol 549 c113W
Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the anxiety felt by many administrative officers in the Colonial Territories, particularly in Nigeria and the Gold Coast, about their future: and what consideration he has given to the establishment of an overseas Civil Service.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes. I am very conscious of this anxiety. I am giving the matter earnest thought, but can make no statement at the moment.

Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what he estimates will be the cost to his Department of establishing an overseas Civil Service.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service is financed from the funds of the Governments by which its officers are employed, and therefore costs the Exchequer nothing, except for such grants as are made from Colonial development and welfare funds towards general schemes for training, etc. If any changes were made in this system, the cost would naturally depend upon the extent and nature of such changes.