asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what qualifications Major-Genera I Appleyard, M.I.M.E., has for the work which he is required to do in the emergency repair organisation of his Department?

I would refer the hon. Member to the second part of my answer to his Question on the same subject on 25th March, 1941.

Does my hon. Friend really expect us to believe that a mechanical engineer who has spent most of his life settling industrial disputes is the best person for a large engineering job of this kind?

I can only answer my hon. Friend by explaining that the qualifications of the candidates were taken into serious consideration at the time of the appointment, and those responsible for the appointment considered that this man had all the necessary qualifications.

Viscountess Astor:

Is it not true that he is one of the ablest men in the whole of England?