Directorate-General of Works (General Manager)

HC Deb 17 December 1957 vol 580 c176

7. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the Minister of Works the terms on which he appointed one of his officials as General Manager of the Directorate-General of Works.

Mr. Molson

The General Manager, who is an established civil servant, will be paid the same salary as a Deputy Secretary.

Mr. MacPherson

The right hon. Gentleman does not say, however, how long he has been told that he may hold the position. Does he recall that last week on this subject he said, in the first place, that it was unfortunate that a professional candidate whom he could accept did not apply, and, in the second place, that this was an administrative job and that there was no need of professional qualifications? May we know which of those two points of view represents the Minister's firm view about this post?

Mr. Molson

I hold both views simultaneously and equally strongly.