HC Deb 18 October 1939 vol 352 cc873-4
49. Miss Wilkinson

asked the Prime Minister, on what qualifications he selected the new Minister of Shipping?

The Prime Minister

Character and experience.

Miss Wilkinson

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the supreme importance of this Department, as shown in the last war, he really thinks, whatever the character of that kindly old gentleman, superannuated—[Interruption.']

Mr. Speaker

That kind of language is not suitable at Question Time.

Miss Wilkinson

Of course, I withdraw the adjectives, and will merely ask whether the Prime Minister thinks that a gentleman of that age, and as far as is known, of no experience of shipping whatever, could be considered in such circumstances as these to be the right person to control this important Department?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.