§ 82. Mr. HURDasked the Postmaster General whether he has received any expression of willingness on the part of the National Farmers' Union to nominate a representative to serve on the Post Office Advisory Council; and whether, in view of the anxiety of that organisation to promote the increased use of the telephone in rural areas, he proposes to appoint an additional number of the Advisory Council so that it may contain an accredited representative of the only organisation of working farmers which represents and has machinery covering all the administrative counties of England and Wales?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Kellaway)I have received a letter from the National Farmers' Union in the sense referred to by the hon. Member. The members of the Post Office Advisory Council are selected on account of their individual qualifications and not as representatives of particular interests. But, as I have already informed the House, I have appointed a gentleman to the Council who is a member of the National Farmers' Union and exceptionally qualified to speak on behalf of agricultural interests.
§ Mr. HURDWill the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the desirability of having two representatives of the greatest British industry upon this Council in view of the Government policy of home production?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYNo, Sir. I think that industry is fairly represented.
§ Mr. WATERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us why he has made an addition to the Advisory Council when he has stated previously that he would never add to it? Why has he thus differentiated?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have not added to it. There happened to be a vacancy, and I have filled it.
§ Mr. HURDWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake that when another vacancy occurs it shall be filled up by a representative of the agricultural interest?
§ Mr. WATERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman see that other interests are represented as well?