§ 10. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that in September last, in connection with applications for appointments to the principal posts under the Scottish Milk Marketing Scheme, only seven days were given for applicants, and can he state how many applications were received for these posts; whether the applications were acknowledged; and whether similar methods of selection as govern Civil Service appointments were adopted?
§ Sir G. COLLINSStaffing arrangements, including methods of selection governing appointments, are the sole concern of the board administering the scheme, and I have no information on the subject.
§ Mr. MAXTONWould it be out of place for the right hon. Gentleman to try to get information from the Milk Marketing 1788 Board, which was set up under legislation passed by this House?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIt was decided to make these boards representative of the producers, and we have no power whatsoever to interfere in any question of this sort.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes that mean that they have the power of a monopoly over the milk supply of Scotland and that they can do whatever they like, without interference?
§ Sir G. COLLINSNo. I am only referring to the staff arrangements, which was the question put by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman take power to ask whether the appointments made under this board were done with due observance of the ordinary decencies of Government appointments to public posts?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI think it would not be in keeping with the position of these boards if I started to ask them how they chose and whom they chose, which is a matter that must rest entirely on the board.
§ Mr. MAXTONCould the right hon. Gentleman not write a letter to get the desired information?