Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the special arrangements for the selection of candidates for the Colonial Service in the British Dominions; and what steps are taken to ascertain that they possess a constructive interest in colonial problems and freedom from colour or other prejudices likely to hinder good relations with the people of the colonies.
Mr. Creech JonesThe arrangements are as follow:
In Canada, Australia and New Zealand there are Liaison Officers and a Selection Committee in each University working to a Central Liaison Officer and a Central Selection Committee for each country as a whole. On receipt of an application the University Liaison Officer obtains reports covering all stages of the candidate's career and then places the application before the University Selection Committee, who interview the candidate, if he is considered from his reports prima facie suitable for appointment. Application papers for recommended candi- 268W dates are forwarded, together with the Committee's recommendation to the Central Liaison Officer for submission to the Central Selection Committee, who again interview the candidate. Non-University candidates apply direct to the Central Liaison Officer, who obtains the reports on the candidate's career and then places the application before the Central Selection Committee.
In the Union of South Africa, there is a Central Selection Committee under the Chairmanship of the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in the Union.
In all cases the Central Selection Committees forward the papers of recommended candidates to me for final decision.
I am satisfied that both University and and Central Selection Committees are fully aware of the necessity for satisfying themselves as to the qualities and outlook of candidates whom they recommend to me for selection.