HC Deb 12 December 1912 vol 45 cc751-2
34. Mr. GRANT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, at eight, of the stations in Nyasaland which are recognised as having healthy climates, unmarried district officials have been appointed, some of whom are junior members of the service, whilst at six stations, which are known to be unhealthy and disagreeable, married officials, who are accompanied by their wives and babies, have been located, some of whom are senior to the juniors in question; and, seeing that this is in direct opposition to a policy of, in the interests of morality, encouraging officials to marry, whether he will reconsider his refusal to use his prerogative with the Governor of British Central Africa in connection with the appointments referred to?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

I can only repeat what I said in my reply to the hon. Member on 13th November, that the assignment of officers to particular stations is a matter for the discretion of the local Government, in the interests of the public service, with which I do not propose to interfere.

Mr. GRANT

Is it the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage the marriage of officials in African Protectorates?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes, Sir, no doubt it is part of my duty to encourage marriage, but if the encouragement of marriage were to limit the discretion of the Governor as to the posts to which he might send the man who was most needed or most fitted for the post, I might find myself under the necessity of discouraging marriage.

Mr. GRANT

If it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage the marriage of officials in the Protectorates of Central Africa, and if His Majesty's Government find that the officials in charge only put in bachelors, in these circumstances is it not the duty of the Government to interfere?

Mr. HARCOURT

I have never found that.

Mr. GRANT

If the right hon. Gentleman does find that, will he take such steps as are necessary?

Mr. HARCOURT

If I find anything of the sort I should reconsider the whole situation.

Mr. GRANT

In view of the unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that on Monday I will call attention to this matter on the Motion for Adjournment.