§ 42. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Minister of Health why the suggested appointment of its clerk by the Staffordshire Executive Council of the National Health Service, submitted on 27th January, 1950, was not reviewed by his Department until 7th March; why he then overrode the Council's appointment by holding his own interviews and making his own appointment; and whether, under Regulation 12, S.R. & O., 1948, No. 1156, this procedure is to be the normal one.
§ Mr. FraserWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that intervention from his Ministry seems intolerable to the people who are concerned locally, and that the power of these councils is entirely diminished if the right hon. Gentleman or any of his officers interferes?
§ Mr. BevanWe have certain responsibilities to this House. Questions are put on the Order Paper, for example, about opticians, dentists and chemists. I have to answer to the House, and I must be satisfied that the persons employed by the Executive Council are competent to do their work.
§ Mr. FraserIf the right hon. Gentleman will look at the Regulation to which I have referred, he will see that the Minister has to approve the appointment. Surely it is entirely wrong that the Minister should make the appointment.
§ Mr. BevanThe Minister is not seeking to make the appointment. What is under consideration here is whether the Minister should approve a particular appointment.
§ Mr. FraserThe right hon. Gentleman appointed the clerk.