§ 30. Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Minister of Transport whether the recent appointment as chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for the Northern area of Scotland is a temporary one; and, whether, in view of the importance of that area from the point of view of transport, he will take steps to appoint a chairman with knowledge of local needs and conditions?
§ 35. Lord SCONEasked the Minister of Transport the salary accompanying the posts of chairmen of the Traffic Commissioners for the Scotland (Northern) and Newcastle areas, respectively, together with the period of tenure of these appointments?
§ Mr. PYBUSThe salary in each case is £1,000 a year, less the special economy reduction of 10 per cent. The Road Traffic Act provides that the appointments of chairmen of traffic areas should be made for fixed terms of years, but, in order that I might be free to re-arrange certain areas in the interests of economy, as and when such a step became possible, I suggested to Mr. Riches that his term of office should be shortened to two years, to which, I am glad to say, he at once agreed. I appreciate the great value of local knowledge. The other two commissioners possess local knowledge and are nominated by local authorities in the area, but, if the Noble Lord and the right hon. Gentleman will come to see me, I shall be glad to discuss the matter with them.