§ 45. Mr. Doddsasked the Prime Minister why he did not recommend the extension of the appointment of the previous chairman of the National Assistance Board.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)There are no grounds, on precedent or principle, for suggesting that the holder of an office should necessarily be re-appointed when his time expires. Nor is it any reflection on the holder of such an office, if he is not asked to serve again. Mr. Buchanan has performed valuable services for which Her Majesty's Government are sincerely obliged to him, and I am glad that he is willing to give the benefit of his experience by remaining a member of the Board.
§ Mr. DoddsWhilst accepting that it was perfectly in order to make the change, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to explain, when it is generally accepted that Mr. Buchanan has done a great job of work and when it is said that the Board has been administered with humanity, why he cannot continue to keep this man in this great job—or is it simply a case of political patronage at its worst?
§ The Prime MinisterThe five years appointment had expired, and—
§ The Prime Minister—although Mr. Buchanan agreed to continue for a short period while a selection was being made, it is intended that five years should be the normal period for these appointments