HC Deb 20 March 1974 vol 870 cc1026-7
27. Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider appointing to the Highlands and Islands Development Board someone from the Scottish trade union movement.

Mr. William Ross

Membership of the board is at present at its statutory maximum. When vacancies arise I will be seeking to appoint those who can best promote the economic and social development of the Highlands and I shall certainly consider names from the trade union movement as well as others.

Mr. Sillars

Is the Secretary of State aware that when the previous administration removed the trade unionists from the board it caused a great deal of apprehension and concern in Scotland? Because of the rapid industrialisation of certain areas, would it not be a great idea now to swap a trade unionist for the retired rear-admiral?

Mr. Ross

Yes, it would be a good idea when he is due to retire.

Mr. Russell Johnston

Surely the Secretary of State will agree that the important thing about appointments to the Highlands and Islands Development Board is not that they should be trade unionists or rear-admirals but that they should be good people, competent and able to do the job?

Mr. Ross

I entirely agree. That is why, when I first selected the chairman, deputy-chairman and members of this board, I included a trade unionist—Mr. William Scholes—who did an excellent job.