MEDICAL SERVICE (GENERAL DUTY POSTS)

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the number of applications from locally qualified doctors received for general duty posts since 1954; and the number of appointments made.

Mr Goode: In 1954 there were 20 applications from locally qualified doctors and 7 applications from locally domiciled doctors qualified elsewhere. Of these applicants, five refused the posts offered, one withdrew his application, one was ineligible, and one failed to appear for the interview. The remaining 19 - 17 who qualified locally, and two locally domiciled who qualified elsewhere - were all appointed.

In 1955 there have been 29 applications from locally domiciled officers, of whom 26 were locally qualified. All the 29 have been appointed.