HC Deb 19 June 1912 vol 39 cc1667-8
58. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the late factor of the Congested Districts Board who has recently been appointed a sub-Commissioner for small holdings has been asked to comply with the condition that his whole time must be devoted to his office, and that practice as a solicitor must be given up; whether, in disposing of his business he is making it a condition that he may return to it after a few years should he so desire; if so, whether this condition is in accordance with the, Scottish Department's stipulation, in view of the fact that his interest will lie in building up the business to which he may return; and what steps the Scottish Office will take to prevent their conditions of appointment being so nullified?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The gentleman in question has informed the Board of Agriculture for Scotland that he has resigned all public appointments, and has given up private practice as a law agent, and is now only occupied in the service of the State. I have received no information to the effect suggested by my hon. Friend.

Mr. WATT

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has made inquiry as to the condition of his business?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I have made no inquiry because I have only received the suggestion of my hon. Friend now. If my hon. Friend can give me any information which would lead me to believe that such a condition exists, I will make inquiry.

Sir JOHN DEWAR

May I ask whether it is a fact that when this gentleman got his appointment—it is a very valuable appointment for the Government—he got it having in view that, in a few years, he would have to retire from the Civil Service under the age limit; whether the Government has any right to inquire into his business, or as to what he is going to do when he retires; and whether there is anything wrong in his making it a stipulation that he shall be able to resume business when he has retired from the Civil Service?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Secretary for Scotland cannot carry all that question in his head. The hon. Member should give notice of the question.