HC Deb 13 February 1947 vol 433 cc509-10
8. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Health under what authority the Barrow Town Council removed by vote Alderman J. W. Herdman and Councillor J L. Best from all committees of the council on account of their political views; and if he will hold an inquiry into the grounds of this action.

Mr. Bevan

Local authorities have full discretion in appointing and removing members from their committees and I have no power to intervene.

Sir I. Fraser

Would the right hon. Gentleman discourage this tendency which, if left unchecked, would lead to one party only in local government?

Mr. Bevan

I have no power at all to intervene in a matter of this sort. Local authorities have full power.

Mr. Hogg

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what party the majority who excluded these two gentlemen belong?

Mr. Bevan

As I have no power whatever to intervene in this matter, I have no interest in it.

Mr. Hogg

Does the right hon. man know?

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Does the Minister think he would exceed his duty if he expressed his opinion in this House that he regretted these acts?

Mr. Bevan

Hon. Members are continually urging the Minister of Health to interfere with the prerogatives of local authorities.