63. Mr. Brian Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reductions in staff employed overseas by his Department are intended in order to reduce expenditure overseas.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeI think the hon. Member may be under a misconception. Apart from a small number of United Kingdom based Colonial Office staff serving overseas all H.M.O.C.S. officers in dependent territories are employed by the Governments concerned. Only a part of the cost in certain cases is met by the United Kingdom under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme. I do not contemplate reductions.