§ 8. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what consultations he had with adjacent local authorities prior to his appointment of Mr. J. R. Colville to the Board of Bracknell Development Corporation.
§ Mr. SandysIn accordance with the normal practice, I consulted the Berkshire County Council, the London County Council, the Easthampstead Rural District Council, and the Bracknell Parish Council.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIf these consultations did, in fact, take place, was it not merely misleading on the part of the Minister, in a letter to the local authorities concerned, to recommend Mr. Colville on the grounds of his intimate knowledge of, and residence in, the Bracknell area, whereas those alleged qualifications are absolutely fictitious?
§ Mr. SandysI really think that the gentleman appointed to the Board has every suitable qualification for an appointment of this kind. He was Private Secretary to two Prime Ministers—including the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition. He was also Private Secretary to Her Majesty the Queen before her accession, and has held important positions in the Foreign Office. I think that an appointment of this kind should not be questioned in this way: it is quite frivolous.
§ Mr. RemnantCan my right hon. Friend explain what the connection is between Brixton and Bracknell and why he failed to consult Brixton Borough Council?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonOn a point of order. In view of the attack which has been made upon me, may I very respectfully point out to you, Mr. Speaker, that I happen to be a resident of Binfield, which is in the area of one of the local authorities concerned?