HC Deb 20 February 1946 vol 419 c258W
Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to recruit and train doctors for the Colonial Medical Service in West Africa and to maintain it at its present level.

Mr. George Hall

The number of applications received from qualified men for appointment to the Colonial Medical Service is now nearly equal to the total number of vacancies and applications are continuing to come in at a steady rate. I am, however, concerned at the disinclination of many candidates to serve in West Africa and I have under consideration proposals designed to make the Service more attractive, particularly to candidates with higher qualifications. For training, the fullest use is made of the courses in tropical medicine at the universities of London, Edinburgh and Liverpool.