§ 35. Captain WARINGasked the Secretary for Scotland whether any declaration similar to that made by Members before accepting to serve on Committees on Private Bills is required from persons before selection to serve on Departmental Committees in Scotland; and, if not, what steps he takes to ascertain that a person has no pecuniary or other personal interest in the matter to be examined and reported upon by the Committee?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, it does not necessarily follow that an interest of the nature mentioned should disqualify a person from serving upon a Departmental Committee. Much would depend upon the nature of the interest and the character of the inquiry, and the suitability of persons to serve on a Committee is fully considered before they are appointed.