He served two periods as Under-Secretary of State for Scotland at the Scottish Office from 1981 to 1986, and from 1990 to 1995. He was responsible initially for health, home affairs and environment at the Scottish Office. After 1983, he was responsible for industry and education at the Scottish Office until he left the position in 1986.
He served two consecutive terms as Under-Secretary of State for Scotland at the Scottish Office from 1981 to 1986 and then again from 1990 to 1995. Initially, he focused on health, home affairs, and environment; later, he took charge of industry and education until his resignation in 1986.