HC Deb 30 October 1912 vol 43 c428
22. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked whether Mr. Easmon, M.B., B.S. London, M.R.C.S. (England), L.R.C.P. (London), and until recently house surgeon to the Huntingdon County Hospital, has recently applied for an appointment in the Gold Coast medical service; and, if so, whether this gentleman's application has been rejected because he is a person of native African descent?

Mr. HARCOURT

Dr. Easmon recently applied for an appointment in the West African Medical Staff. My hon. Friend is correctly informed as to the reason for his not being selected, as only candidates of European parentage are eligible under the Regulations.

23. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked whether Great Britain alone amongst the West African colonising Powers refuses to accept fully qualified medical men in Government service on the ground of colour?

Mr. HARCOURT

I am not aware on what grounds my hon. Friend suggests that other West African colonising Powers do not refuse to appoint medical men of African descent; but he is under a misapprehension with regard to the British Colonial Administration in West Africa, two of which do employ medical men who are natives of the Coast.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

If that is so, is there any reason why it should be so in the Gold Coast?

Mr. HARCOURT

I think there are special circumstances which apply there.