§ 4. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary of State for India whether it is contemplated appointing Major Norman White to the post of Sanitary Commissioner with the Government of India or whether the appointment is strictly temporary; whether it is the practice to appoint anyone not holding a diploma in public health; and whether there are already in India many men holding such diplomas who are senior in service to Major White?
§ Mr. MONTAGUMajor Norman White's appointment as Sanitary Commissioner with the Government of India is temporary and provisional, and will not prejudice the claims of other officers, which will be duly considered when the time comes to fill the post substantively. In making this arrangement the. Government of India have necessarily had regard to the restrictions at present placed on their liberty of choice by the demands of the War on the personnel of their medical service.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say why when there are so many sanitary commissioners in India who are qualified, this man, who does not hold the degree necessary, has obtained the temporary appointment?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not think my hon. Friend will doubt Major Norman White's general qualifications, but this was simply to fill a gap pending the appointment of somebody to hold it permanently. The part with which my hon. Friend is really concerned is the prospects of the other officers. I have an assurance from the Government of India that their rights are in no way prejudiced.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill my right hon. Friend say that Major White's appointment will not be confirmed, seeing that he does not hold the one necessary qualification, a diploma?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI cannot say he does not hold the necessary qualification. All I say is that he has not been permanently appointed, and no permanent appointment will be made without the consideration of other persons.