HC Deb 23 February 1938 vol 332 cc341-2
19. Mr. Lunn

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the applications for the post of clerk interpreter for service in Zomba, Nyasaland, are confined to Europeans, in view of the fact that African interpreters have been employed for many years past?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The appointment is necessitated by the rapidly growing work of translating technical, scientific and legal documents and books into local vernaculars. This work requires a higher knowledge of English than is possessed at present, so far as is known, by any native of Nyasaland.

Mr. Lunn

Are we to take it from the answer that the applications of natives fitted for these posts will no longer be considered?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Oh, no. This is a particular post for the translation of particular work, and we cannot find a native in Nyasaland to do this high-grade work.

Mr. Lunn

Do I take it that natives will be considered for such work in Nyasaland?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Of course, they will; but not for this particular thing.