HC Deb 22 July 1913 vol 55 cc1842-3
28. Mr. JAMES HOGGE

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether before making any appointments to the new posts of Assistant Commissioners to the Board of Agriculture he will advertise the same; and whether he will consider the advisability of excluding factors from such applications?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am satisfied from the number of applications received that these vacancies are already sufficiently well known; and I cannot agree to fetter my discretion or that of the Board in the selection of the best men available for the appointments.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider this point: that the.only way to make these appointments known is through the newspapers? And will he also bear in mind that Members of Parliament ought to be protected from all kinds of applicants who apply to them and ask them to use their influence with the Secretary for Scotland on their behalf?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am only too anxious to protect Members of Parliament as far as I can from that sort of trouble, but it is extremely difficult.

Mr. PRINGLE

Have Members of Parliament any influence with the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I should not choose a worse man, because he was recommended by a Member of Parliament instead of a better one recommended by somebody else.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Is it not a fact that there is only one factor on the Board, and he is a Radical?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I think there is only one factor, but. I do not know he is a Radical.