§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the system of training for the higher posts in his Department answers all requirements, in view of the fact that to fill his Permanent Under-Secretaryship he has been compelled to borrow an official from the local government service?
Mr. M. MacDonaldYes, Sir. I am fully satisfied. In regard to the fact to which attention is drawn I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister on the 25th July to a question put by the hon. Member for St. Rollox (Mr. Leonard). I would add that there is no rule or practice which requires that the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies should be chosen from the staff of the Colonial Office. Of1974W the last five holders of the appointment two have been so chosen and three have not. Of the three not so chosen, only one was a member of the Home Civil Service.