HC Deb 29 November 1950 vol 481 cc1142-3
44. and 69. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many officers in Class Ia of the Malayan Civil Service are British; how many are Chinese; how many are Malays; and how many are Indians; (2) how many non-Europeans have been promoted to Class Ia of the Malayan Civil Service since 1945 and since May, 1949, respectively.

Mr. Dugdale

One Malay officer, now retired, has been promoted to Class Ia of the Malayan Civil Service since 1940. No non-Europeans have been promoted to that class since May, 1949. The seven Class Ia appointments are all held by European officers at the present time.

Mr. Wyatt

If we are to accelerate the self-government of Malaya is it not of the utmost importance that as many as possible of the senior posts should be held by people of the country concerned?

Mr. Dugdale

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend, but the most important consideration of all is that we should get the people best qualified for the job without regard to race.