§ 28. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the continuing dissatisfaction in the West Indies with reference to the practice of appointing administrative officers from abroad before investigation has been made as to suitable local appointments or in other West Indian Colonies; whether it is the practice to advertise administrative vacancies in the West Indies; whether he has considered a memorandum from the British Guiana Civil Servants' Association on this subject; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Colonel StanleyI have received the memorandum and have promised to give it full consideration, in connection with the general review of Colonial Service organisation which is now proceeding. It is not the practice to advertise administrative vacancies in the West Indies, but every consideration is given to local candidates and in fact virtually all the junior and a large number of the senior administrative posts in the area are filled by West Indians.
§ Mr. RileyIn view of the fact that it is not the Ministry's custom to advertise vacancies, may I ask what are the means taken to ascertain likely applicants?
§ Colonel StanleyMy hon. Friend is talking about vacancies in the Civil Service. We do not advertise here for applicants for vacancies for the Civil Service. 1427 The records are known of members of the Civil Service, who are promoted on them.