HC Deb 09 November 1936 vol 317 cc531-3W
Sir E. GRAHAM-LITTLE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the medical profession in Nairobi have petitioned the Governor of Kenya Colony against the removal of Dr. F. W. Vint from his present service in the medical research laboratory, which was especially praised in the Pim Report; and whether, as the removal of Dr. Vint would cripple the activities of the research laboratory and would destroy the prospect of inaugurating the inquiry into the causes of native backwardness, he will reconsider the possibility of retaining Dr. Vint where his co-operation is essential?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Yes, Sir, a memorial has been received by the Governor, who has consulted me regarding it by telegram and has sent me a copy by mail. I should first mention that Dr. Vint applied in July last for a transfer from Kenya, and I was proposing to select him for an appointment in Mauritius, which would have meant promotion to him.

Upon receipt, however, of the Governor's telegram regarding the memorial I caused the Medical Research Council to be approached, in accordance with a suggestion of the Governor's, with a view to securing a grant which could be used to augment Dr. Vint's salary in Kenya, but the Medical Research Council did not feel justified in using their funds for such a purpose. I have consequently suggested to the Governor consideration of the question of increasing Dr. Vint's emoluments so as to enable his services to be retained in Kenya without loss to himself if that is possible. But it would not, in my view, be fair to him to retain him in his present position in Kenya to his own detriment.