HC Deb 22 May 1947 vol 437 cc2518-9
65. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, whether he will provide a table setting out the precise amount of the present salaries of members of the National Coal Board, together with a note indicating what is permitted in addition by way of expenses in kind and in cash; and whether he can give a comparison between these figures and the salaries of officers conducting nationalised coalminers in other countries.

Mr. Shinwell

When the Coal Industry Nationalisation Bill was under consideration, I informed the House on 12th March, 1946, that the salary of each member of the Board would be £5,000 per annum, and of the chairman £8,500. No special salary has been fixed for the vice-chairman, and he is receiving the salary of a member, i.e. £5,000 per annum. On 5th November, 1946, I informed the House that, with the approval of the Treasury, I had authorised the Board to provide a global sum of £10,000 for the expenses of the Board, and that the application of this sum should be settled by the chairman of the Board. I have no details of the allocation of the expenses allowance between the members of the Board, nor have I any information about the remuneration of officers conducting nationalised coalmines in other countries where the circumstances differ so widely that comparison would not serve any useful purpose.

Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

Will the information for which I have asked ever be given in detail, or will salaries and expenses be grouped together in a total sum when the accounts are presented? Will the public ever know how much these people are getting?

Mr. Shinwell

When the accounts are presented we can discuss that

Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

Will the right hon. Gentleman please answer my question? Will those items be shown in detail?

Mr. Shinwell

I will consider all these matters,

Mr. Marlowe

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is true that the difference between the Transport Board and the Coal Board is that the Coal Board is carrying more passengers?