§ 94. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a full statement on the dismissal of Colonel Duke as Commissioner of Police, Barbados, and state in particular why the original reason given for his retirement, namely, that of age, was altered to that of an adverse report; why Colonel Duke was never shown any such adverse report; and what ruling he has given on the application of the House of Representatives to appoint a Sub-Committee to consider the facts and take evidence.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe Governor reached the conclusion that the maintenance of the efficiency of the Police Force called for the appointment of a younger Commissioner with the requisite energy and drive. Colonel Duke was, therefore, informed that he would be required to retire on pension under the Pension Act recently passed by the Legislature. In reply to an address by the House of Assembly it was stated that the decision to retire this officer was arrived at after consideration of reports on him over several years. It is not the practice to inform an officer of reports unless they draw attention to faults or shortcomings which it is in his power to amend. My right hon. Friend is already in communication with the Officer Administering the Government on the matter referred to in the last part of the Question.