HC Deb 07 July 1959 vol 608 c1094
30. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in filling vacancies in senior medical posts in health services in the West Indies.

Mr. J. Amery

Senior medical posts in the West Indies are as far as possible filled by promotion within the local medical services. In the last twelve months there have been twelve such posts which my right hon. Friend has been asked to fill.

Of these, two medical administrative posts and two specialist posts have been filled, and four of the other vacancies were only notified last month.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that a number of senior posts are still vacant and that these must be filled, at any rate at the present time, from this country? Has he or his right hon. Friend had discussions with the Ministry of Labour about the possibility of further secondments from hospitals in this country to countries like the West Indies?

Mr. Amery

I will certainly look into the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.