§ Q4. Mr. Douglasasked the Prime Minister if he will appoint a Scot to the Central Capability Unit in the Cabinet Office.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the reply I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Sillars) on 17th November.—[Vol. 806, c. 394.]
§ Mr. DouglasIs the Prime Minister aware of the widespread criticism from all sections of the community in Scotland about the decision to alter I.D.C. policy? Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that Scotland's voice is heard in the higher echelons, bearing in mind that we are sick and tired of having a Secretary of State who loses Scotland's battles in the Cabinet?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not believe that the change in I.D.C. policy will affect Scotland for the worse, but it will make the administration of I.D.C.s generally better. But that really has nothing to do with the Central Capability Unit, and I think the hon. Gentleman will have to realise that under present legislation I should have to exercise great care in advertising for a Scot for a specific position.
§ Mr. BuchanOn the question of the Central Capability Unit, the right hon. Gentleman will remember that some of his friends were rather anxious about the appointment of a Labour Peer. Would he consider restoring the balance by appointing the chairman of the Tribune Group?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a matter of internal politics for the party opposite which has even got them mixed up.