Overseas Civil Service (Hansard, 17 February 1969)

§ Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Yes. Measures relating to the remaining members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service serving in certain British dependent territories are now being introduced. I am circulating the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In debate on the Adjournment on 15th of July last year, the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs referred to the problems arising from the restriction of the career prospects of the remaining members of H.M.O.C.S. serving in certain British dependent territories, which had resulted in particular from decolonisation elsewhere. The measures which were then under consideration for the Western Pacific have now been discussed with the High Commissioner and staff, and a scheme will shortly be introduced which, while recognising the special difficulties facing officers in that area, should make it possible to retain the services of experienced staff according to the needs of administration. This scheme is voluntary for officers, and those who decide to join it will be entitled to cash benefit, payable normally by instalments, of 12W up to £10,000 according to age and length of service, on the condition that they may be required to serve, broadly speaking, for a further 10 years or up to the age of 50, whichever is the less, thus surrendering the right to retire voluntarily at 45. The cost of this scheme will be met by the British Government. Discussions have also been held in Fiji, and a compensation scheme limited to officers retiring in the interests of localisation has been agreed to by the Legislative Council. Payments of up to £12,500 will be made according to age and length of service under this scheme, the cost of which will be shared with the Government of Fiji. We hope that, with the introduction of these measures, the H.M.O.C.S. officers will continue to serve in these territories so long as their experience is needed in maintaining administration and promoting development. H.M.O.C.S. officers are still serving in ten dependent territories, including Fiji and the Western Pacific. There is also a considerable number still in posts in independent countries. The main group in dependent countries is in Hong Kong where the size and salary levels of the public service afford a reasonable career at present. In all these territories (except in Bermuda where a general scheme will shortly be introduced) the constitutional position which would require the introduction of general compensation schemes has not yet been reached. Her Majesty's Government's long standing undertakings in this respect remain unaltered.—[Vol. 768, c. 1213–1222.]