§ Colonel Lyonsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will inquire into the number of trained geologists employed on the engineering side of the Public Works Departments in the various Colonies; and whether he will consider the desirability of economising and efficiently utilising the services of all men of such scientific qualifications by placing them in one pool in the geological survey department for general duties in their specialist sphere.
§ Colonel StanleyI am aware that, as a purely war-time measure, a number of trained geologists are being employed on other duties in the Public Works Departments of certain Colonial territories. I have recently received a report by a Committee which I appointed early last year to consider the needs for geological work in the Colonial Empire, and the best organisation to carry it out. I have referred the report to Colonial Governments, and I am awaiting their views before reaching a decision on the subject.