HC Deb 22 January 1970 vol 794 cc688-9
Q1. Mr. Blaker

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination of policy between the President of the Board of Trade, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales with regard to the appointment of members of the British Tourist Authority and the new tourist boards; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Blaker

Does the Prime Minister think that it was altogether wise for Ministers to appoint as chairmen to two of these boards the fathers of Labour Members of Parliament.

The Prime Minister

I think that that is rather unworthy of the hon. Gentleman. He will know the persons in question, and their very high repute, which is generally agreed to by members of all parties who have worked with them.

Mr. Peyton

Is it not carrying patronage a little too far, though, to extend this benevolent care, for which the right hon. Gentleman cares to be known, to the parents of Members of Parliament —jobs for the dads, and all that?

The Prime Minister

I have not heard any complaints from the hon. Gentleman in the matter of appointments by me to important positions of former Conservative Members of Parliament, and he will not, I think, feel that in the Honours List, now twice a year, as we used to have for the purpose of the Chief Whip of the day, honours are given to Members of Parliament on the Government side for their support in the Division Lobby.

Mr. William Hamilton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the appointment in Scotland, to which, presumably, the hon. Gentleman is referring, has been widely welcomed by people who know what the problem is, and that the hon. Member concerned knew nothing about the appointment until it was made?

Can my right hon. Friend say which is the more despicable kind of patronage, this, or the kind under which Mr. Harold Macmillan, when he was Prime Minister, appointed his nephew to Government office?

The Prime Minister

These two gentlemen were appointed on their own merits. We have not, as has been the basis in the past with some appointments to important Government offices, including Ministerial office, made these appointments purely on the basis of whose sons they were.