§ 8. Major Sir Basil Neven-Spenceasked the Minister of War Transport what functions are performed by him, as chairman, and by the deputy chairman of the Railway Executive Committee.
§ Mr. BarnesThe Railway Executive Committee are my agents for the purpose of giving directions under the Railway Control Order and I exercise my powers of control through them. As chairman I reserve the right to preside at any of the meetings of the Committee, a course which enables me to maintain close personal touch with the members individually and corporately. The deputy chairman presides in my absence and is responsible for the day-to-day conduct of the Committee's affairs, consulting me as necessary.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeDoes the Minister maintain that his right to give such direction will be kept on indefinitely?
§ Mr. BarnesI would not like to use the word "indefinitely," but as to claiming that right, the answer is definitely "Yes."