HC Deb 15 July 1942 vol 381 cc1210-1
18. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many native African magistrates and judges have been appointed to West African colonial courts during the last ten years and are still presiding; and whether consideration is being given to the need of substantially increasing the number of these appointments?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

According to the information at present available in the Colonial Office, the following legal and judicial posts in West Africa are held by Africans:

Nigeria:

Gold Coast:

Suitable African candidates are considered for these posts as and when vacancies in the establishment occur.

Mr. Sorensen

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask what percentage that is of the total number of judges and magistrates in the Colonies, and whether he is satisfied that all the legal ability among trained Africans is being used in this direction?

Mr. Macmillan

I am afraid that I cannot answer the first part of the question without notice. With regard to the second part, judges like other people remain in their posts, and vacancies can only be filled as they occur.

Mr. Sorensen

Can we have an assurance that suitable applicants for vacancies are sympathetically considered?

Mr. Macmillan

Yes, Sir; I said that in by reply.

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