HC Deb 12 July 1920 vol 131 cc1944-5
59. Mr. MILLS

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the retirement of Sir Joseph Broodbank from the Port of London Authority, he will consider the advisability of appointing someone who can adequately represent the staff of the Authority; and, if so, whether he will consult the National Union of Docks, Wharves, and Shipping Staffs, which represents the whole of the administrative, clerical, and supervisory staff employed by the Port of London Authority?

Sir E. GEDDES

In accordance with Sub-section 7 of Section 1 of the Port of London Act, 1908, the Board of Trade as the predecessors of the Ministry of Transport appointed Mr. H. Gosling to represent labour on the Port of London Authority, and he still holds this appointment. It appears desirable that the other nominee of the Minister on the Port Authority should be a person of wide experience of transport problems and not a representative of any sectional interests, and I regret therefore that I am unable to agree to the suggestion of the hon. Member.

Mr. MILLS

Does it not follow that a member of this particular Association is necessarily an expert in the work?

Sir E. GEDDES

Yes, but he may be an expert on a certain side of the work only.

Mr. SHORT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the commercial interests of the Port have 18 elected representatives on the Authority and that Labour has no representatives except those nominated by the Board of Trade and the London County Council, and will he not take the opportunity of making some Amendment under the Consolidation Bill now before the House?

Sir E. GEDDES

I think the best arrangement was made by the Board of Trade, of putting on gentlemen experienced in administration.