§ Mr. Bowlesasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation (1) what steps have be taken by his Department during the past three years to recruit medical staff for the psychiatric services in British Honduras and with what success.
(2) what was his policy, during the period 1961-63, concerning the appointment of a suitably qualified and experienced psychiatrist at Belize Mental Hospital.
Mr. CarrEfforts to recruit a suitable candidate for the post of Pyschiatrist and Superintendent of the Belize Mental Hospital began in September, 1960. As a result of advertisement a candidate was selected, and an offer of appointment made in June, 1961. The candidate raised many detailed questions, some of which necessitated reference to British Honduras, and owing to the hurricane124W disaster there was a considerable delay before a reply was received. There followed protracted correspondence with the candidate about the terms of appointment offered. At the end of January, 1963 the offer of appointment was withdrawn as the candidate was unable to give a firm acceptance. It was of course not possible to consider other candidates for the post during the period June, 1961 to January, 1963.
A further advertisement has now appeared in the medical journals and the response is awaited.
§ Mr. Bowlesasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what provision he will now make for the payment and recruitment of a psychiatrist for British Honduras.
Mr. CarrThe post has been re-advertised at a salary of £2,400 plus an allowance of £175 a year in lieu of private practice. The salary includes an increased inducement allowance payable under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme by my Department. Appropriately qualified applicants will be interviewed as soon as possible.