§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the appointment of Sir Desmond Plummer as Chairman of the Horserace Betting Levy Board, including his qualifications for this appointment, his experience in any appointment connected with horse-racing or betting, his other appointments and business holdings; whether he will have to give full time to this appointment on the same basis as Lord Wigg when he held the appointment; what salary he will receive; and how this compares with that paid to Lord Wigg.
§ Mr. CarlisleMy right hon. Friend invited Sir Desmond Plummer to undertake the chairmanship of the Horserace Betting Levy Board because he believed that his administrative ability and experience of public affairs admirably equip him for the work. He does not regard a previous appointment connected with214W horseracing or betting as an essential qualification for this post; nor is he aware that Sir Desmond has any business interests that could be considered in any way incompatible with it. The appointment will be for three days a week, as in the case of the present chairman. The salary is for determination by the Levy Board itself, subject to my right hon. Friend's approval, and no recommendation has yet been made to him on the matter.