15. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state on the coal production side the names of those members of his Department who have resigned this year and the position they held?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe following officers of the Production Directorate have resigned or have been released during this year: Mr. T. E. B. Young, Chief Production Director at Headquarters. Mr. H. Watson Smith, Production Director, North Midland Region. Mr. J. H. French, Assistant Production Director, North Western Region.
Miss WardCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give any indication as to the reasons for these gentlemen's resignations?
Major Lloyd GeorgeWith regard to Mr. Young, the company which lent him to me were in a serious difficulty because his deputy was seriously ill and was not likely to resume work for several months. The company in question is a very important one as far as output is concerned, and I felt I should agree to Mr. Young's release. They have promised me that when Mr. Young's deputy returns they will be glad to let me have the advice of Mr. Young again from time to time. With regard to Mr. Watson Smith, much the same situation arose.
Major Lloyd GeorgeWe have in the place of Mr. Watson Smith a panel of 1020 technical people doing the work. I am hoping to replace Mr. Young very shortly at headquarters and the same applies to the North Western region.