HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc716-7
6. Mr. Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Secretary to the Scottish Department of Health has been transferred to the Treasury in London, and that an officer with Treasury experience only has been substituted as Secretary to the Scottish Department of Health; whether these changes were made at his instigation; and how they are calculated to improve the efficiency of the administration of Health Department business in Scotland?

Mr. Colville

The former Secretary to the Department of Health for Scotland w as promoted to a senior post in the Treasury. I am satisfied that the selection of his successor was made in the best interests of Scottish administration.

Mr. Johnston

Does the right hon. Gentleman mind answering that part of the question which asks, "whether these changes were made at his instigation?"

Mr. Colville

They were not made at my instigation, but they were made with my approval.

Mr. H. G. Williams

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has found any objection by English people when a Scotsman has been appointed by the Government in this country?

Mr. Colville

The officer mentioned in the question comes of an old Scottish family.