§ 24. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with the South-Eastern Regional Hospital Board which, in a letter to hospital boards of management, has stated that two terms of four years should be regarded as the normal period 356 of service on such boards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NobleThe appointment of board of management members is a matter for the regional hospital board, and I have had no recent consultations with the board about it. In 1960, my Department wrote to the board suggesting that it might wish to consider adopting the practice which I follow in relation to regional boards, which is not to reappoint members after two four-year terms unless there are special circumstances.
§ Mr. GourlayDoes not the Minister agree that age and ability to make a worth-while contribution to boards of management should be the criteria to determine length of service rather than the arbitrary one of two terms of four years? Is not he embarrassed at the particularly "blue" tone of the complexion of the membership of the South-Eastern Regional Hospital Board?
§ Mr. NobleI have never thought that politics played an important part in the capacity of people to help in the Health Service. This is a matter in which one has to keep a balance. I quite agree that experience is important, but so are new ideas.
§ Mr. GourlayIs the Minister suggesting that two members of one political party out of a board membership of 16 represents keeping the balance? Is he aware that the hospital at Kirkcaldy, which is the largest hospital in Fife, is not represented on the regional board and, since there are two vacancies, would he take steps to remedy this omission?
§ Mr. NobleI should certainly look at the qualifications of people which would make them suitable for membership of a board without considering for a second what might be their political parties.