HC Deb 07 August 1941 vol 373 cc2099-101
Mr. Crowder

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether any change is contemplated in the composition of the Railway Executive Committee?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Colonel Llewellin)

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport has accepted with regret the resignation of Sir Ralph Wedgwood, C.B., C.M.G., from the Chairmanship of the Railway Executive Committee, a position which he has held since the formation of the Committee, on the outbreak of the war. I am glad, however, to be able to inform the House that we have been able to secure the services of Sir Alan Anderson, G.B.E., as Chairman of the Railway Executive. He will also hold the new post of Controller of Railways in the Ministry of War Transport. On his new appointment, Sir Alan Anderson has retired from the Board of the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company. Sir James Milne, at present a member of the Railway Executive Committee, has been appointed Deputy Chairman.

Mr. Crowder

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say if the post of Chairman, which has been accepted by Sir Alan Anderson, will carry any salary?

Colonel Llewellin

No, Sir. Formerly that position did carry a salary, but Sir Alan Anderson has expressed his wish to give his services to the country in this way during the war without taking any salary.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not the case that Sir Alan Anderson has always been connected with shipping? Does he possess the important qualification's required for this job?

Colonel Llewellin

It is quite true that Sir Alan Anderson has had many and varied activities, certainly shipping, and it is because he is a man of this large business experience that we feel ourselves lucky to have secured his services in this post.

Earl Winterton

Does the rule which is rigidly applied to the Civil Service of a retiring age apply in the case of these wartime appointments; and what is Sir Alan Anderson's age?

Colonel Llewellin

I have no idea. [AN HON. MEMBER: "About 70."] Despite that, he is still an extremely active and fit man. After all, our Prime Minister is somewhat of the same age.

Earl Winterton

That does not specifically answer my question. Is there any such rule, or does the age limit apply only to the Civil Service?

Colonel Llewellin

There is no such rule. We appoint the best man so long as he is active and best fitted for the position. We feel that Sir Alan Anderson is so fitted.

Mr. Watkins

Will the change in the Chairmanship of the Railway Executive Committee involve any change in the policy of the Committee, and will they co-ordinate the four railway companies into one unified railway system?

Colonel Llewellin

During the war we at the Ministry of War Transport are in control of the railway companies, and our endeavour, through the Railway Executive Committee and through our new Chairman, who is to be Controller of railways, will be to see that they work together as a whole to give the best service possible to the country.

Mr. Watkins

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman know that the four separate undertakings still retain their own individual point of view and maintain it, and that that ought to be removed from railway working, and the whole of the railways co-ordinated into one unified system? Will that be done?

Colonel Llewellin

At present for war purposes they are working together. It is quite true that each staff is operating its own railway. Some railways are operating partly from the districts as well as from London. They are working very well together at the present moment, and, I am certain, will continue to do so and to give the best service possible.

Sir Frank Sanderson

Is the right hon, and gallant Gentleman aware that this appointment will give universal satisfaction throughout the industry?

Mr. Mander

What relation has this appointment to the new Railway Agreement that is being negotiated at the present time?

Colonel Llewellin

The Railway Agreement is a financial matter. This is a matter of operating the railways.