§ 32. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the names of those now appointed to both the Domestic Consumers' Council and the Industrial Consumers' Council; what in particular is his policy in connection with the inclusion of Members of Parliament on these Councils; and what are the principles guiding him in his selection of the members of these Councils.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the announcement giving the membership of these Councils which was issued by my Ministry to the Press on 17th July last. The principles upon which the appointments were made followed the requirements of Section 4 (2) of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act. There was nothing to prevent a Member of Parliament being nominated by any of the bodies selected as being representative of the interests concerned or to prevent the Minister appointing a Member if he thought fit.
§ Mr. CooperIn so far as I understand the functions of these councils, they are to give advice, and, as Members of Parliament are appointed to the Post Office Advisory Committee and the Regional Committee on Broadcasting, would it not be a good thing to see that Members of Parliament are also appointed in this case in order that the position may be watched; and will my right hon. Friend give further consideration to the matter?
§ Mr. GaitskellI have already explained that there was nothing to prevent Members of Parliament being nominated or appointed to either of these Councils.
§ Mr. Peter RobertsAs it is now a year since nationalisatian took place, have these Councils started to function?
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, Sir.
§ Mrs. Leah ManningMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in view of the fact that women are the greatest users of all sorts of fuel, he will have any women on the Council?
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, the chairman of the Domestic Consumers' Council is a woman.