§ 38. Mr. HARRISasked the Minister of Transport how many Electricity Commissioners have resigned since the authority was first appointed; what has been the reason of their resignation; and what are the terms of their appointments?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is two. In both cases the reason for resignation was the desire of the Commissioner to take up an important appointment with an electric supply company. As regards the terms of the Electricity Commissioners' appointments, I would refer the hon. Member to the first Section of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1919. The two Commissioners in question were whole time officers holding office during His Majesty's pleasure.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not the duty of the Commissioners to adjudicate on claims of electric light companies? Does he not think it most undesirable that 1676 they should be in the position of Commissioners, and take employment at increased salaries from electric light companies? Would it not be advisable that the terms of their appointment should be that they should not engage in any work for businesses whose claims they have had to consider?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat opens up a very large question. It is altogether different from the question which the hon. Member put on the Paper.