§ 46. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether he can state the principle on which non-Ministerial appointments for civil administration are made; and whether he can give an assurance that the sole qualification is ability, and that political opinions or support for the parties in the National Government will be ignored?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is the intention of His Majesty's Government that appointments of the kind described should be filled on the principles indicated in the second part of the question.
§ Mr. Garro JonesHow does the Prime Minister account for the fact that such a large proportion of chairmen of Conservative party organisations are appointed to these posts? In particular, may I ask whether he is aware that in Aberdeen the 646 chairman of a Conservative party organisation and a large fishing employer by no means distinguished for his impartiality has been appointed —
§ Mr. Speakerrose—
§ Mr. Garro JonesWith great respect to you, I desire to ask for what reason I am not to be allowed to put this question?
§ Mr. SpeakerQuestion Time cannot be used for making derogatory remarks on individuals. They certainly would not be allowed in a question which was to be put on the Paper, nor can they be allowed in a supplementary question.
§ Mr. Garro JonesI respectfully suggest that you did not let me complete my question.
§ Mr. SpeakerI had heard quite enough.
§ Mr. Garro JonesMay I put it in another form, and I will endeavour to bring myself within the Ruling which you have just given? I wish to ask whether the Prime Minister is aware that in Aberdeen the chairman of a Conservative party organisation, who is a large fishing employer, has been appointed to superintend the whole of the fish trade operations of the port, including superintendence of a large number of fishing trade employés with whom he has been in antagonistic negotiation for many years, and does he think that that is an effective way of securing collaboration?
§ The Prime MinisterI know nothing of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, but I will undertake to say that when this appointment was made it was not because the gentleman in question was a supporter of the Government.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the Prime Minister aware that reports are coming in regarding the alleged predominance of Conservative party appointments to posts of this kind, and will he give an assurance that no discrimination of that kind will be allowed?
§ The Prime MinisterI have already given such an assurance in my original answer.