§ 13. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he proposes to announce the names of the remaining members of the Fair Employment Agency.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeDoes the Minister understand that he will not be denied plenty of time for consultation in regard to these important appointments, because this group of persons has important work to do? Does he not regard it as marginally encouraging that there were those in this House who previously bitterly opposed the fair employment legislation but who on Third Reading decided not to oppose it, undoubtedly because they realised that their bigoted approach was not readily supported?
§ Mr. MoyleI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. We look forward to a successful period of work for the Fair Employment Agency supported by all sections of the Northern Irish community. I take the point about careful consultations in regard to agency membership before the names are announced. I am sure that we shall get some good people to serve on it.
§ Mr. McCuskerTaking account of the principle of the Bill, will the Minister of State ensure that there is equality of opportunity for everyone who seeks to serve on this body?
§ Mr. PowellDoes the Minister agree that, while my hon. Friends and I maintain our objections to this attempt to deal with these problems by legislation, nevertheless we co-operated to a considerable degree and successfully improved the legislation? That is something which can hardly be said about the official Opposition.
§ Mr. MoyleAs I have already said, the right hon. Gentleman is carrying on an argument with the hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. van Straubenzee), and I have no intention of acting as umpire. I am grateful for the good offices of 642 the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues and the co-operation which they gave eventually.