Divisional Coal Boards

HC Deb 19 December 1946 vol 431 cc2157-8

44. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether his Department has information as to the qualifications and experience of members of divisional coal boards.

Mr. Shinwell

No, Sir. These appointments are made by the National Coal Board.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does that answer mean that the right hon. Gentleman is not aware of the disquiet in many quarters caused by the giving of these appointments to gentlemen with no experience whatever of the coal industry, and does he not consider that these gentlemen constitute a load which might well be shed?

Mr. Shinwell

Any feeling of disquiet that there may be as regards certain appointments can be dealt with as between the workers' organisations and the National Coal Board, but so far as I am aware there is very little disquiet.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does the answer to my supplementary mean that the general public are not to be entitled to express their views on these matters?

Mr. Shinwell

The general public can express their views through Members of this House, as I presume the hon. Member is trying to do.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that the trouble is caused by the fact that there seems to be a tendency to select Tories for these positions?

Mr. Shinwell

As I have said frequently in the House, the appointments are not made by me. As far as the National Coal Board is concerned, it is quite impossible, when selecting persons who are suitable for administrative staffs, to consider their political views.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

If the appointments are not made by the Minister, how is it possible for Members of Parliament to get redress when grievances are placed before them as to the qualifications of those chosen?

Mr. Shinwell

That is a matter that the Opposition might have considered when they were in controversy with me on this Bill in the Standing Committee upstairs.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider an amending Bill in order to give effect to this question?

Mr. Shinwell

If the noble Lord has any views about an amending Bill he can make his submission at the proper time.