The Qualifications of a Minister

The most elementary qualification demanded of a minister is honesty and incorruptibility. It is, however, necessary not only that he should possess this qualification but also that he should appear to possess it. Lord Palmerston laid down the obvious rule that ministers must not accept presents, but this sort of problem is rarely raised. In 1948 it was stated in Parliament that rumours were in circulation to the effect that ministers had received payments or other rewards in connection with applications for licences or permissions. By resolution of both Houses a Tribunal of Inquiry was set up under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921, with Mr Justice Lynskey as chairman, to inquire into these allegations. The Tribunal found that Mr John Belcher, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, had received presents of wine and spirits, and certain other small presents, knowing that these were made for the purpose of securing favourable and expeditious treatment by the Board of Trade of applications for licences. Mr Belcher had resigned his office as soon as he had given evidence and applied for the Manor of Northstead (i.e. resigned his seat in Parliament) as soon as the decision was given against him. In the subsequent debate the Prime Minister discussed the question of

the extent to which ministers should accept hospitality from persons whose business brought them into relationship with their departments.