§ 49. Mr. Bateyasked the Prime Minister why, having recommended the appointment as Minister of Health of an hon. Member representing a Scottish constituency, he concurred in the appointment as Parliamentary Secretary of another hon. Member for a Scottish constituency who also has had no experience of the work performed by public authorities in England and Wales?
§ The Prime MinisterI am confident that my hon. Friend the Member for Dundee (Miss Horsbrugh) is fully competent to discharge the duties of the office to which she has been appointed.
§ Mr. T. JohnstonHas the right hon. Gentleman contemplated the serious situation that might arise in the event of the principle complained of in this question being made applicable to the Scottish Office?
§ Mr. BateyIs not this a grave departure; and are we to understand that the Prime Minister was not able to find a member representing an English or Welsh constituency who was qualified for this post?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The hon. Member must not understand that.
§ Mr. PooleWill the Prime Minister consider bringing in a Bill making Home Rule applicable to England?
§ Mr. TomlinsonHas the Prime Minister considered the position of local authorities in regard to this action?