§ 17. Mr. H. Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the appointment and promotion of expatriate officers to posts in the Seychelles.
§ Mr. FisherExpatriates are appointed when no suitably qualified Seychellois are available to fill vacancies. Once appointed, all officers in the service of the Seychelles Government whether expatriate or local are equally considered for promotion.
§ Mr. ClarkIs my hon. Friend aware of the very widespread concern that has been felt in the Seychelles at the recent appointment of an expatriate director of medical services while there were two perfectly qualified candidates, born in the Seychelles, who could have taken the post?
§ Mr. FisherI cannot comment on the particular case, because I do not actually know about it; but I think that if one gives preference to local people on appointment it is fair to consider everybody on his merits when it comes to promotion.