§ 21. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary for Mines what outside bodies or persons were consulted in the appointment of chairman of the Mines Amalgamation Commission; and whether any conditions were imposed by them?
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTI am informed that the Secretary for Mines in the Government of the day called into consultation a number of people whose experience and judgment would in his view be valuable. Such consultations are solely within the discretion and the responsibility of the Minister and are confidential. I am therefore unable to give any further information.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODOn whose invitation was Mr. Montagu Norman brought in to give advice?
§ Mr. FOOTI have already stated, at the beginning of my answer, that the Secretary for Mines in the Government of the day called in consultation a number of people whose experience he thought it would be advisable to have, but I am advised that without the consent of the Minister and the persons who were called into consultation, I cannot give any further information.
§ Mr. O'CONNORIs there any truth in the statement made by Mr. Shinwell that pressure was brought on him by the Governor of the Bank of England to appoint this particular gentleman as chairman?
§ Mr. FOOTUpon that, of course, I am governed by the answer that I have already given. There was a number of 1668 consultations, and, without the consent of the parties concerned, I cannot give the information asked for.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs it not a fact that Mr. Montagu Norman butted into this business?