Major Lloyd:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the corporation for the setting up of the new town at East Kilbride does not include any residential representation; and if he will remedy this omission.

In making appointments to the East Kilbride development corporation, I was anxious to secure the services of persons with wide experience in a variety of fields. While the corporation as now appointed does not include a resident of East Kilbride, I am satisfied that, in compliance with the alternative statutory requirement, it includes persons having special knowledge of local conditions there.

Major Lloyd:

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is a suspicion in the minds of local residents that the interpretation of the right hon. Gentleman's wish to have people of wide experience is confined almost entirely to well-known, notorious and lifelong Socialists?

I am sorry if there is any suspicion of that kind in the minds of the people of East Kilbride. If the suspicion is there, it is not justified.

Could I ask my right hon. Friend whether the hon. and gallant Member for East Renfrew (Major Lloyd) resides in his constituency; and whether there is any suspicion in the minds of the people of East Renfrew that they are not adequately represented?

Major Lloyd:

That is obviously another question, Mr. Speaker. It was answered at the last General Election and the same answer will be given at the next Election. Arising from the reply given by the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask whether he wishes to inform the House that the overwhelming majority of members of the new corporation have not, all their adult days, been notoriously associated with and voting for the Socialists?

In setting up the corporation, I made up my mind that, irrespective of politics, I would get the best individuals I could to fill the posts.