HC Deb 04 April 1938 vol 334 cc37-8W
Mr. Kelly

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the rent paid by Mr. Bessin for his lease of Felicité Island; and whether the governor of the Isle of Seychelles has recently reduced the rent?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have no recent information about the lease of Felicité Island, but I will ask the Governor for a report.

Mr. Kelly

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when Mr. A. A. Mason was appointed supervisor of roads in the Isle of Seychelles; and whether he continues work as a telegraphist in the service of the Eastern Telegraph Company?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have received no report of such an appointment. The matter is one that I should regard as falling wholly within the discretion of the Governor.

Mr. Kelly

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the petition from Dr. Van Haselberg and Mr. A. Romley asking that a doctor not a dentist be appointed to the Government hospital in the Isle of Seychelles; and what reply has been given to the petition?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

A petition was addressed to me in November last by Mr. von Hasselberg and Mr. Rowley protesting against the employment of a Government dentist at the Government hospital in the Seychelles. The petition contained no reference to the appointment of a doctor. After considering the representations of these two gentlemen I did not see my way to intervene in the matter, and the Governor was asked to cause them to be informed to that effect.