Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Prime Minister whether, before the Colonial Office authorised changes in the regulations excluding specifically from the Civil and Police services in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Federated Malay States all candidates who are not of pure European descent on both sides, the matter was specifically brought before the Cabinet and its consent obtained to a 1573 change which robs over three-quarters of the subjects of the Empire of rights previously enjoyed by them?
§ Colonel SEELYNo, Sir. The qualifications required for officers of the Police and Cadet services in the places mentioned are a matter for the Secretary of State to decide.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTI observe in his place the Prime Minister, to whom the question was addressed. I desire to ask him whether that reply means that the Cabinet accept no responsibility for this action of the Colonial Secretary?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Cabinet accept responsibility for all the decisions of all the Ministers.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTIn view of that reply, may I ask whether it was not desirable before making new regulations which diminish the civil status of 350,000,000 of British subjects that the matter should be brought before the Cabinet in some form or other?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt seems tome to be a matter for the head of the Colonial Office for the time being.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the head of the Colonial Office has power by regulations to decree, say, that no Scotsman shall obtain admission to the Civil Service in these Colonies for which he is responsible, or to say that no one who is a member of the Church of England shall obtain admission?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere is no service in which Scotsmen are more largely represented than the Colonial service.