§ 42. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in respect of the West African Nursing Service, he will consider the desirability of granting appointments to local candidates, who have every necessary qualification, in preference to European candidates unconnected with West Africa, who may possess additional qualifications not essential to the post applied for?
§ Colonel StanleyAll local candidates in West Africa are fully eligible to be considered for any nursing appointments for which they are qualified. But the local governments must decide what qualifications are necessary in any particular case. I am confident that the desirability of affording the fullest possible scope to local candidates is appreciated by all concerned.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman look into this matter again, owing to the feeling that undoubtedly exists that a fair chance is not being given to local candidates with sufficient qualifications, who are turned down in favour of people with extra qualifications which are not necessary?
§ Colonel StanleyI will look into it, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that while it is most desirable that wherever possible Africans should be appointed, we should not achieve that object by lowering the standards which otherwise would be thought necessary.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that while there is no desire to lower the necessary qualifications, unnecessary qualifications should not enter into the question?
Dr. MorganWhat have the Colonial Office done to have a decent scheme for the training of Colonial nurses in Great Britain?
§ Colonel StanleyPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that Question on the Paper.