3. Mr. Andersonasked the Minister of Labour how the recent appointment of a commissioner for the West Cumberland Special Area was made, and the qualification required for the occupation of this post, the salary paid, and the qualification of the present occupant?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe new appointment to the post of District Commissioner in the West Cumberland Special Area was made by the Commissioner for the Special Areas of England and Wales, who took all the circumstances into consideration, and is satisfied that the gentleman in question possesses the necessary qualifications for the post, which is of an administrative character, involving a wide range of activities. The salary to be paid is at the rate of £1,000 per annum.
Mr. AndersonIs the Minister aware that there is general dissatisfaction with this appointment; and is he further aware that, if my information is correct, this person has had no previous experience except in the scholastic world; and surely men who are more closely in touch with the work in the Special Areas should be appointed to these positions in the first place?
§ Mr. BrownWith regard to the first part of the question, that is not my information. The Special Commissioner takes the view, and it is my own view, that general administrative ability is more important in this matter than commercial experience.
§ Mr. BrownCertainly. We are in the closest touch with the board of the West Cumberland Industrial Company on which there is plenty of industrial experience.