§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that people in the West Indies are not acquainted through their own Press of vacancies occurring for senior posts in different parts of the Caribbean, other than their own territory, but learn of these appointments through London papers, often after the date of application has passed; and whether he will take steps to remedy this situation?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI have been asked to reply. Vacancies in senior posts in the Colonial Service are very seldom advertised in the Press. They are normally filled by promotion from within the Colonial Service, and full consideration is given to the claims to promotion of all suitably qualified officers. There are, however, a few occasions when it is desired that a senior post should be filled by the selection of a candidate who has had some special experience in this country. In such a case the necessary steps to obtain a suitably qualified candidate are taken here, and there seems to be no reason to modify the procedure hitherto adopted.