HC Deb 26 March 1946 vol 421 cc218-20
The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)

With the approval of the Prime Minister, Sir Arthur Street, Permanent Secretary of the Control Office for Germany and Austria, has been selected for appointment as Vice-Chairman of the National Coal Board as soon as the Coal Industry Nationalisation Bill becomes an Act of Parliament. He will continue as Permanent Secretary of the Control Office until the National Coal Board is formally constituted, but will be available for consultation in the meantime on matters connected with the prospective duties of the Board.

Mr. Tolley

Will my right hon. Friend give the House his reasons for the selection of Sir Arthur Street?

Mr. Shinwell

Yes, Sir. Sir Arthur Street is an administrator of considerable reputation, and his appointment is strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Bill which calls for the appointment of certain persons with particular qualifications.

Captain Crookshank

It may be in accordance with the provisions of the Bill, but is it not contrary to the policy enunciated by the Government that they would not employ ex-civil servants?

Mr. Shinwell

No such policy was ever enunciated. The reference to the Civil Service derives from a statement made by myself in the course of the Debate, that it was not intended to run the industry as a Civil Service. That was the reference. In the case of Sir Arthur Street, it is true he is at present a civil servant, but he is precisely the kind of person we want to undertake the administration.

Sir Arthur Salter

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that those of us who have been colleagues of Sir Arthur Street for many years regard this as a very good appointment indeed?

Mr. Scollan

Would the Minister tell us what salary will be paid?

Mr. Shinwell

Sir Arthur Street will be paid precisely the salary that is to be paid to other members of the Board.

Mr. Cobb

Presumably this gentleman will now resign from the Civil Service, having been appointed to this position?

Mr. Shinwell

When the Board is definitely constituted, that is to say, when the Bill becomes an Act of Parliament, Sir Arthur Street will sever his connection with the Civil Service.