§ Mr. CROFTasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that Brevet-Colonel Bannerman, Indian Medical Service, has been nominated as Surgeon-General to the Madras Government; if so, can any explanation be given as to why that officer has been promoted over the heads of several officers who are his seniors in the service, and have not only higher medical qualifications, but have greater administrative experience, some having distinguished war service in addition, which Colonel Bannerman does not possess?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is "No"; the second part, therefore, does not arise.
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe hon. Member's question was whether ray attention has been called to the fact that Brevet-Colonel Bannerman has been nominated as Surgeon-General to the Madras Government. My attention has not been called to the fact, and I have no information whatever.
§ Mr. MONTAGUThere is no vacancy in the appointment, and as it is the duty of the Madras Government to deal with the matter, I think it is better to wait until the name has been submitted.