HC Deb 23 June 1942 vol 380 cc1810-1
37. Mr. Daggar (for Mr. Ness Edwards)

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that considerable apprehension has arisen in the minds of the coalminers by the appointment of a coalowner as the National Coal Controller; and whether he will take such steps as are necessary to fill the positions of control by persons who have no vested interests in the industry and who can be free of any charge of partiality in the operation of Government control?

Major Lloyd George

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir," and to the second that I am fully alive to the point raised. Lord Hyndley, who has been appointed to the post of Controller-General in my Department, has eminent qualifications for it by reason of his long experience and knowledge of all aspects of the coal problem. But I would remind my hon. Friend that, under the recent White Paper on Coal, responsibility rests with me.