§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Harry Crookshank)I have to inform the House that it has come to notice that the hon. Member for Pollok (Mr. George) may be disqualified from membership of this House by reason of his being a director of Scottish Slate Industries Limited, an office to which he was appointed by the Minister of Works some years ago. The hon. Member has not, in fact, received any remuneration, but I am advised that in law the directorship may be an office of profit under the Crown and, consequently, the hon. Member may have been incapable of election to this House.
Hon. Members will appreciate that this is a matter entirely within the jurisdiction of the House. In these circumstances, and in accordance with the precedents, I will as soon as possible move for the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the position of the hon. Member.
I do not think it would be right for me to say anything further at this stage. It will be for the Select Committee to examine the matter in detail and to report in due course to the House.
§ Mr. AttleeI think that that is the right course. May I ask whether the hon. Member is taking part in the proceedings of the House at the present time?
§ Mr. CrookshankOh, no. He is not taking any part at all. As soon as this came to light he was informed of the risk he might be running. He has resigned the directorship in question.