§ 43. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Overseas Nursing Association is a recognised Government agency; the relationship between it and African Colonial 160 Governments; and whether he can arrange that it includes coloured African ladies nominated by the Government and by African organisations?
§ Colonel StanleyThe Overseas Nursing Association was founded in 1896 for the purpose of providing fully trained nurses from this country for private and hospital work in the Colonies and among other British communities abroad, and to facilitate in any other way the work of nursing. Although it is a private and voluntary organisation, the association acts at the request of the Colonial Office as an agency for recommending candidates to the Secretary of State for Government nursing appointments in the Colonies which it is desired to fill by recruitment from this country. The association has no relationship with African Colonial Governments, and in the circumstances the particular suggestion made in the last part of the Question does not seem appropriate.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that it is highly desirable that as this association has considerable influence, some African ladies should be included on it? Will he not make a suggestion in the right quarter?
§ Colonel StanleyI will certainly think over it and see what can be done, but it must be someone who is a whole-time resident in this country and also has some special knowledge of nursing.