§ 35. Mr. William Elwyn Jonesasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, contrary to the terms of the advertisement inviting applications for the post of part-time consultant physician to serve the Caernarvon and Anglesey Hospital Management Committee group fixed on Bangor, a person unable to speak or understand the Welsh language has been appointed by the Welsh Regional Hospital Board; and what action he proposes to take in the matter in exercise of his statutory powers.
§ Mr. MarquandIt is the practice of the Welsh Regional Hospital Board to indicate through their advertisements for certain appointments that where the professional and other qualifications of rival candidates are adjudged equal, preference will be given to a Welsh speaking candidate. The assessment of these qualifications is a function of the Reginal Hospital Board as advised by an Appointments Advisory Committee. I understand that the normal practice was followed in the particular appointment in question.
§ Mr. Elwyn JonesIs my right hon. Friend not aware of the very grave misgiving about this appointment which has been expressed in the form of resolutions by local authorities, and that this person, however well qualified he may be otherwise, does not have the essential qualification of being able to speak to his patients?
§ Mr. MarquandI should be surprised to hear that there were widespread misgivings as the result of an appointment made by the Welsh Board to look after Welsh interests.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. Gentleman explain how and why this unfortunate committee is "fixed on Bangor"?