§ Q1. Mr. Martenasked the Prime Minister whether he will now review the present policy of appointing industrialists to serve on public bodies and committees of inquiry set up by the Government.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)No, Sir. We shall continue to appoint the best people available.
§ Mr. MartenDoes not the Prime Minister recall that when the Minister of Technology sacked the two directors from Bristol Siddeley from holding appointments on public boards, he told the House that those who held Government appointments must enjoy public confidence? As it is now clear that there is no public confidence in the Government, why are not the whole Government sacked?
§ Mr. BarnettWill the Prime Minister look at the case of Sir Frank Kearton, who appears to be the subject of victimisation for accepting a Government 807 post, and will he in particular consider the very serious charges which Sir Frank has made against institutions in the City, charges which, if true, could prove to be a major scandal? Will my right hon. Friend consider instituting an impartial inquiry rather than leaving it to the City itself?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that that statement of Sir Frank Kearton at his Press conference is a matter for me. I am aware that he and his colleagues of the I.R.C. have been subject to serious and unfair attacks because of the activities of I.R.C. It is right to say that he and the whole of the I.R.C. Board enjoy the full confidence of my right hon. Friend and myself and that we support the action which they took, even though it was a matter entirely within their own discretion.