HC Deb 16 December 1964 vol 704 cc374-6
28. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many general managers of new town development corporations have been appointed since 1946; how many were military men; how the posts were advertised; and what qualifications were required.

Mr. Ross

These are matters for the corporations themselves. Their statutory reports laid before Parliament show that six individuals have served as general managers, one of these having served two corporations; and that three of the six had previously served in the Regular Army.

Mr. Hamilton

Does my right hon. Friend with his distinguished military career behind him regard the development of a new town as essentially a military exercise? Can he tell me what are the qualifications required? Has he any powers to lay down qualifications? What are his powers in this regard?

Mr. Ross

The staff are appointed by the corporation and I have to have faith and trust in the corporation, which I appoint, to pick the best men for these appointments.

31. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is to be his policy with regard to appointments to new town development corporations.

Mr. Ross

My policy will be to make the appointments which seem to me likely, individually and collectively, to serve the best interests of the new town concerned.

Mr. Hamilton

Is that not a very vague Answer? Is my right hon. Friend aware that recent developments in Glenrothes in particular underline the very great importance of making sure when he is making these appointments that people are appointed with known ability, particularly business ability, because often they will be dealing with scrupulous and unscrupulous businessmen and it is important that they should understand the difference? If in addition to the appointments of my right hon. Friend to the development corporations they have the right to appoint the general managers, it becomes increasingly incumbent upon my right hon. Friend to see that he gets the right people for the right jobs on these corporations.

Mr. Ross

I think it desirable to get the right people to do the job. I thought my first Answer was firm and also adequate. If we get the right people, as I hone we shall, we have to trust them to do the job they have set out to do.

Mr. Bence

In giving consideration to appointments to the new town boards, will my right hon. Friend keep in mind the desirability of having on the boards members who are resident in the designated area covered by the new towns?

Mr. Ross

Yes, Sir.