§ 34. Sir Robert Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that there is an adequate representation of Colonials in the personnel of the offices of the Crown Agents for the Colonies?
§ Colonel StanleyThe work of the Crown Agent's Office is analogous to that of a Government Department in this country, and the staff apart from certain technical staff is recruited in the normal 1725 way through the Civil Service Commissioners by examination. The question of "representation" does not, in my view, arise, but there is, of course, no reason why suitably qualified Colonials should not be employed in the office. I may add that one such candidate was recently appointed as a temporary clerk.
§ Mr. SorensenCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what proportion of the staff are in the Colonial Office?
§ Colonel StanleyI am afraid I could not say without notice but I would add that during the war, as in other cases, no permanent appointments have been made for this job at all.