HC Deb 02 August 1972 vol 842 cc547-8
14. Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he appointed a retired naval officer to the vice-chairmanship of the Highlands and Islands Development Board.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Because he was the best available person for this full-time post, on leaving the Navy last month at the age of 51. Rear-Admiral Dunbar-Nasmith will be the youngest of the seven members of the board and 14 years younger than the person he is succeeding.

Mr. Sillars

Is it true that the Secretary of State never even interviewed the rear-admiral before sending the letter inviting him to take up the appointment, according to what the rear-admiral him- self has said in a public statement? Is not this a scandalous and disgraceful way to handle an extremely important appointment in Scotland?

Mr. Campbell

That is incorrect. I saw the admiral several times in the period before appointing him and spoke to him also about the appointment. There is no dispute among those who know him about the ability he has shown over a wide field and in Scotland in the past three years, when he has been Flag Officer. The Highlands and Islands Development Board is doing better now and is held in higher regard in the area than ever before.

Mr. Brewis

Do not such questions and the remarks made in a recent debate show a desire by the Opposition to denigrate ex-serving officers?

Mr. Campbell

I completely reject the contention that someone from the North of Scotland who has excelled in a profession which has taken him further afield should be disqualified from serving the North of Scotland.

Mr. Buchan

In view of the Secretary of State's last remarks, will he now confirm that the Government intend to appoint a former chairman of the board to be Admiral of the Home Fleet?

Mr. Campbell

That would be a co-incidence which I believe would have a probability of about one in a million.