26. Dr. Morganasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why 189 Dr. Eric de Verteuil, the senior medical officer of health in Trinidad, was allowed to resign from the Government medical service; whether he is aware of the good work in the Colony by this medical and public health expert over a series of years; and whether the reason for his non-promotion to the post of chief medical officer was the fact that, though white, he was a native of Trinidad?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Harold Macmillan)Dr. Eric de Verteuil was 60 in October, 1941, and has no doubt retired on reaching the age limit. His record shows that he rendered valuable service to the Government in Trinidad from 1909 to 1919, where he resigned voluntarily to accept private employment, and again from 1930, when he rejoined the Government Service, until his retirement. The answer to the third part of the Question is in the negative.
Dr. MorganHas there ever been a case where a local medical officer born in the Colony has been appointed chief medical officer?
§ Mr. MacmillanI should want notice of that Question.