HC Deb 02 April 1912 vol 36 cc1032-3
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked whether the attention of the Secretary for the Colonies has been called to the speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor of Ceylon at the meeting of the Legislative Council on 24th April, 1911, in which he announced that the sanction of the Secretary of State had been obtained for the appointment of two superintending medical officers on the staff of the medical department, and further stated that it was proposed that these new staff appointments should be filled by European medical men; whether this reservation of certain posts for Europeans only is contrary to the settled policy of the Colonial Office in Ceylon; and whether this reservation has the approval of the Secretary of State?

Mr. HARCOURT

The proposal which was made by the Governor and which my predecessor approved was that these two new posts should usually be recruited from Europe, unless there were local applicants possessing very exceptional merits, qualifications and attainments. This is the policy to which I propose to adhere. The passage in the Governor's speech to which my hon. Friend refers appears to relate especially to the first two appointments to be made after the creation of the new offices, which have now been filled by the transfer of experienced officers from another Colony.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Are we to understand that these posts in future are not to be specifically reserved for Europeans only?

Mr. HARCOURT

I think the hon. Member ought not to understand more than I definitely stated.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask what the right hon. Gentleman stated?

Mr. HARCOURT

My hon. Friend will read the answer to-morrow and can form his own opinion as to what I mean by it.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask whether these posts are being reserved for Europeans at present?

Mr. HARCOURT

I was referring to appointments to these two posts, which have been generally given to Europeans.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he does not consider these hostile questions unfortunate, in view of the recent conclusion of their joint labours in another sphere?