§ 100. Mr. RHYSasked the Minister of Transport whether, in the appointments to the Electricity Board, consideration was given to the agricultural interests involved in the Electricity Act?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe Central Electricity Board is limited in number by the Statute to a Chairman and seven members. In selecting the persons to be appointed to the Board, my endeavour was to secure a body of experienced men with wide qualifications for the duties which they are called upon to undertake. The interests of agriculture were not absent from my mind.
§ Mr. RHYSIs there any member on the Board who may be considered to have special knowledge of agriculture?
§ Colonel ASHLEYColonel Willey, I think, knows a good deal about agriculture. In his earlier days he farmed a certain amount of land; he ha-s experience of agriculture in the Argentine; in his business capacity in connection with wool he is much in touch with agricultural districts; he has had much to do with sheep; and, last but not least, as a master of foxhounds he has had to look through agricultural spectacles at least three days a week.