§ 35. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Home Secretary whether he will give an assurance that, in sending National Fire Service representatives to India and elsewhere for training and administrative purposes, the greatest care for their selection for such responsible tasks will be taken; and whether he has, or will, issue instructions accordingly?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes, Sir; the utmost care is and will continue to be exercised in making such selections.
§ Sir J. LucasWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask whether he is aware that, out of four successful candidates in one area, two were 356 officers who had been demoted, one twice, and one had failed to qualify? Will he make these facts the basis of inquiry in order that there should not be in the N.F.S. the Army practice of getting rid in this way of undesirable and inefficient personnel?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe last point put by the hon. and gallant Member is unfair and untrue in its implication. If there are any cases of the selection of inefficient personnel, I shall be glad to look into them. Naturally, we have to take a number of factors into account.
§ Sir Stanley ReedWill the Minister give consideration, in regard to Indians, to the fact that the best is only just good enough, because these men are subject to very strict scrutiny, and their reputation depends very much upon whether they do their duty or not?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am keeping that point in mind. I am naturally anxious to give what help I can to India, but I must consider the needs of this country too.
§ Sir J. LucasIf I give names to the right hon. Gentleman, will he make inquiry?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir.