§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he has observed the following words in the electoral address of the Marquess of Carmarthen:—
Immediately after (the last General Election) I took work in the Colonial Office, where I have been ever since, in order to gain an insight into political life;whether the Marquess of Carmarthen is paid for his work in the Colonial Office; whether he has passed any preliminary examination; and, whether, if not, it is open to other gentlemen to "take work" at the Colonial Office, in order to "gain an insight into political life?"
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)In reply to the Question of the hon. Member, which, I must say, has somewhat of an electioneering stamp about it, I have to state that Lord Carmarthen has, in accordance with many numerous precedents, acted as unpaid Assistant Private Secretary to my Predecessor and myself. I may add, for the benefit of the 1164 hon. Member, he has done his work very well. There is, of course, as the hon. Member knows very well, no preliminary examination in such cases; and there is not at present room in the Colonial Office for the similar employment of other gentlemen.