asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the post of Public Health Commissioner at Simla will be vacant in August of this year; and whether those considered for the appointment will require to hold a British diploma in public health?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The appointment is made by the Government of India, and I have no information as to the second part.

Is it not a fact that every junior Commissioner in this service must hold the British diploma in public health before he receives the appointment, and can we not receive an assurance from the Government that this post, which is the best in the Indian Public Health Service, shall not be given to any man who does not hold the same diploma which is required for everybody who joins the service?

I am not aware that the facts are quite as stated by my hon. Friend, but I will draw my Noble Friend's attention to this point.

Why is my hon. Friend not aware of this, when every man who enters the service is made aware of the fact that he cannot enter the service without holding the British diploma in public health, and why should a senior position be given to anyone who dues not hold that diploma?

Is it not a fact that anyone appointed to the service in this country must have that diploma?

Is this appointment made by the Government of India without reference to the Secretary of State, and has the Secretary of State any power of confirmation or refusal of confirmation?

The appointment is made by the Government of India without reference at all to the Secretary of State. With regard to the other questions, the reason I am not aware of this provision is that there are certain exceptions.

Is the hon. Member aware that if the position is as indicated it will effectually stop any recruiting for the Indian Civil Service; and does he know what a danger this is?

Is it proposed to supersede the qualification of the British diploma of public health by some other qualification?

There is no such suggestion as that, but I will promise to bring this matter to the notice of my Noble Friend.

You cannot do it too quickly.