HC Deb 19 October 1908 vol 194 cc745-7
MR. JOYNSON-HICKS

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Transvaal Government Gazette of 17th July, 1908, contained the dismissal of no less than fourteen English officers of the South African Constabulary, many of whom had served their country with distinction during the war, upon the ground of reduction of establishment; whether several of those posts, in spite of the contemplated reduction, were immediately filled by Boers; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter.

COLONEL SEELY

Yes, Sir, I have seen the Gazette notice referred to, which was concerned with a reduction of establishment considered to be necessary by those responsible. The Question, if I may be allowed to say so, conveys a somewhat unmerited reflection on the Transvaal Government, who are alone competent, subject to the control of their Parliament, to judge of the necessity of such reductions, and who have not, I think, exhibited the animus against English officers which the Question seems to imply. The Gazette of 29th July, contains a long list of appointments under the recent Police Act, and I observe that more than three-quarters of the names, including the Commissioner, are of officers of British extraction. The hon. Member will probably admit that it is not unreasonable in reorganising a police force, which will be brought into contact with Dutch-speaking people, to appoint some officers of Dutch extraction.

SIR GILBERT PARKER

asked whether the hon. Member could give the House the information which he evidently possessed.

COLONEL SEELY

I do not know what the hon. Member refers to.

SIR GILBERT PARKER

said it was with reference to the Transvaal Civil Service.

COLONEL SEELY

As I stated the other day, I hope to lay a full Return in the course of a few days, about the 22nd. With regard to the information in the answer, if hon. Members will come to the Colonial Office, I shall be able to convince them of the truth of the statement therein made that the vast majority of the men now in the constabulary are Englishmen.

MR. JOYNSON-HICKS

But have any posts that have been closed by retrenchment since been filled up by the appointment of Boers?

COLONEL SEELY

said that the Government proposed to take no steps, and as to the retrenched officers he would be glad to give any information to the hon. Member. He was bound to point out to the hon. Member that the Chief Commissioner of Police was an Englishman who had fought throughout the war, and he had succeeded a Dutchman.

MR. JOYNSON-HICKS

If I can give the hon. Gentleman information—

*MR. SPEAKER

Notice must be given of any further Questions.