East Kilbride Development Corporation (General Manager)

HC Deb 14 November 1962 vol 667 cc370-1

30. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a new general manager has yet been appointed for East Kilbride Development Corporation; and what qualifications are expected of the successful applicant.

Mr. Leburn

This appointment was announced on 10th November by the Corporation, with whom the full responsibility rests.

Mr. Rankin

While recognising the hon. Gentleman's limitations in this matter, may I ask if he is aware that the gentleman appointed to this post is a civil servant in Kenya, where he has been employed for most of his career, and that he has no housing qualifications whatsoever? In view of the fact that a great deal of public money is engaged in this development, does he not think it right that at least he should make inquiries about this appointment in order to make sure that civil servants are not to be presented with jobs like this simply because they are to be displaced from their existing employment?

Mr. Leburn

This is a Development Corporation appointment, and I do not think that it is for me to express a view about the choice it has made. I think it should be understood that the general manager is an administrative and not a technical official. and that he is assisted by the Corporation's chief officers, who have specialist technical responsibilities.

Mr. Rankin

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that there is far more to it than he has indicated—that far more falls to the general manager than he has detailed? In view of the importance of the matter and the concern which it has caused particularly in Scotland amongst those Scotsmen who are interested in jobs of this kind—[HON. MEMBERS: "Ah."] —Yes, of course, many Scotsmen are interested in these appointments—surely, it is a matter for inquiry when an individual can be brought from so far away as Kenya for this job, and when we have applicants and men with qualifications in Scotland?

Mr. Leburn

We are not responsible for this new town corporation. It has the responsibility for administration and management, and I do not think it is for my right hon. Friend to make his observations.