HC Deb 10 April 1933 vol 276 cc2331-2

Lords Amendment: In page 2, line 9, leave 'out "and."

Mr. STANLEY

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

11.53 p.m.

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

I took a very active part in the earlier stages of the Bill and the only Amendment to which I wish to refer is this first Amendment, which should be read in conjunction with the second. The effect of this altera- tion is that, after the first constitution of the Board, the chairman becomes one of the appointing trustees. I do not seek to divide the House, but I wish to make a protest. The object of introducing appointing trustees was to make sure that the Board should not be under the control of the Government or under political control. Though it is true that the chairman of the Board is not in any sense a political person, yet the chairman continues to hold his office under pleasure of the Minister. There are circumstances in which the Minister can bring about the dismissal of the chairman and to some extent can influence the chairman. By making the chairman one of the appointing trustees, we are introducing a political element previously absent. I wish to place on record the introduction of this political element.

Subsequent Lords Amendments to page 71, line 16, agreed to.