Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Gordon McMaster (Labour), on Thursday, 23 February 1995, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 34 members in total.

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POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY SCOTTISH HOMES

That this House believes that executive agencies, quangos and governmental trusts should adhere to the principle of political independence which has always been claimed, if not always adopted, by the Civil Service; condemns the Chairman of Scottish Homes, Sir James Mellon, and Mr Peter McKinlay, its Chief Executive for becoming increasingly involved in promoting the political ideals of the Conservative Party, and making direct attacks on the policies and personalities of the Labour Party in the mass media and elsewhere; finds it abhorrent that they have used public funds, much of it raised from rents paid by low-income families, to finance their involvement; notes that neither of these men has any democratic mandate to speak for anyone else as they were appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland, rather than elected through the ballot box; regrets that they have allowed themselves to become an extension of the arm of Tory Central Office; and reminds them that a future Labour Government will expect people in appointed positions like theirs to deliver the policies democratically endorsed at the General Election, whilst having the objectivity, integrity and rectitude to remain apart from involvement in political debate which rightfully involves those who have been elected to participate.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received 3 amendments.

673A1

after 'Executive', insert 'and the Chief Executive of the South Ayrshire NHS Trust'.

673A2

leave out 'much of it raised from rents paid by low-income families'.

673A3

leave out 'neither' and insert 'none'.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

673 

673A1 

673A2 

673A3 

Session

1994-95

Subjects

Public finance Scottish Homes Politics Mellon, James McKinlay, Peter

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk