Skip to main content

Colonial Empire (Civil Servants)

Volume 462: debated on Friday 11 March 1949

The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make representations to the Government of Kenya to amend its circular prohibiting civil servants from being members of political organisations, so as to bring local practice in line with that in the United Kingdom; and what is the present position in this matter in other Colonies.

No, Sir. The circular was issued after consultation with me and I am satisfied that to allow this latitude in Kenya at the present time might put civil servants in a difficult position. While civil servants in the United Kingdom are not prohibited from being members of political organisations they are expected at all times to maintain a reserve in political matters and not to put themselves forward prominently on one side or the other. As to general Colonial practice in this matter, Colonial Governments do not normally allow their officials to belong to political organisations but the practice varies from territory to territory.