§ 37. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he takes to maintain contact with the operations of the National Coal Board and the Electricity Board; whether regular consultations are held with the Boards; and if individual members of the Boards are free to consult him on matters of policy.
§ Mr. GaitskellOfficials of my Department are in constant touch with officials of the National Coal Board and the British Electricity Authority, and I have made a practice of maintaining informal contact personally with the Chairmen at frequent intervals. Consultations with the Boards are held when the occasion demands. Individual members of a Board, other than the Chairman, as representing the Board, would obviously not be "free to consult" me on matters of policy which are the responsibility of the Board as a whole.
§ Mr. StewartDoes the Minister want the House to understand that he does not see individual members of the Boards on matters of policy?
§ Mr. GaitskellCertainly; that is exactly what I am saying.
§ Mr. StewartIs the Minister saying that he has never seen members of the Boards on matters of policy?
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, Sir. I dare say the hon. Member is referring, as usual, to Sir Charles Reid. I saw Sir Charles Reid when he proposed his resignation but not specifically on matters of policy.