James Quinlan

Sir James Quinlan was Minister for Science and Technology.

Biography
Sir James Quinlan knew Dr Bruno Taltalian for a number of years. He was appointed Minister for Science and Technology around the same time General George Carrington was made head of the newly-created Space Security Service. Seeking political glory, he agreed to work with the general to make first contact with the aliens. (TV: The Ambassadors of Death) He also received a letter from the Apocalypse Clock predicting the exact date and time of his death. (AUDIO: The Last Post)

Assisting General Carrington, Sir James used his power and influence to stymy UNIT's investigations and provided an excuse for Dr Taltalian's actions, also allowing him to hide out at the Ministry for a time. He attempted to keep Professor Ralph Cornish from sending Recovery 7 back up to Mars Probe 7 without success and instead chose to tell the Third Doctor the truth. Before he could, General Carrington ordered Reegan to have one of the aliens kill Sir James.

Sir James's death made things more difficult for Space Control as it caused red tape that only his successor could cut through. (TV: The Ambassadors of Death) He was eventually succeeded by Sir John Sudbury of Department C19. (PROSE: The Scales of Injustice)

Appearance
Sir James was immaculately suited and had a neat moustache. (PROSE: The Ambassadors of Death)

Behind the scenes
Whilst he is most commonly referred to as "Sir James" in the TV story, he is almost exclusively known by his surname in the novelisation.