HC Deb 29 October 1946 vol 428 cc438-9
30. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the salaries to be paid to the chairmen, deputy chairmen and members of divisional Coal Boards.

Mr. Shinwell

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 8th October to the hon. and gallant Member for New Forest and Christchurch (Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre).

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In order to refresh my memory, can the right hon. Gentleman state whether the full figures are given in that reply or not?

Mr. Shinwell

It is a long answer but, as I pointed out when I gave the reply, this is a matter of administration which rests with the National Coal Board.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does that answer mean that the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to give the figures?

Mr. Shinwell

That is precisely what it means.

Mr. David Eccles

Is the Minister aware that the Lord President of the Council, on Saturday, at Birmingham, said that all appointments in public industries should be made on merit? Can he give an assurance that all these appointments, especially the chairmen of regional boards, have been made strictly on their merits?

Mr. Shinwell

Of course, all appointments by the Government are made on merit. I have not read what my right hon. Friend said on Saturday in this respect, but I do know that hon. Members opposite on the Committee stage of the Coal Industry (Nationalisation) Bill, declined to allow me to direct the National Coal Board on matters of administration.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I beg to give notice that in view of the absence of a reply, I will endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment.