§ 50. Captain CAZALETasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action has been taken on the lines of paragraph 8 of the Duke of Devonshire's leter of 26th June, 1923; whether he is satisfied that the steps taken, if any, have proved adequate to advertise and popularise the Malayan police force as a career for boys of good education; whether he considers that the results of the past three years show that a strong field of suitable candidates is presenting itself; and, if not, whether he will take further steps, by circularising the headmasters of public schools or by other means, to make this service more widely known?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Each annual edition of a memorandum giving particulars of these services and explaining how applications should be made is sent to the headmasters of over 100 of the best known schools. The Universities and Dominion and Colonial Governments have also been notified. There seems, however, a need for further publicity in regard to these appointments, which I consider a most promising opening for suitable young men, since the field of candidates available within the last few years has not wholly come up to expectations, and I have at present under consideration plans for the distribution of more detailed information as to the life and conditions in these services, which I hope will result in the attraction of a wider range of candidates.
§ Captain CAZALETIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a. great shortage of candidates for this service?
§ Mr. AMERYWe have not succeeded in attracting as many candidates as we should wish, but I hope to remedy that.