§ 25 and 26. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) whether he will exercise his powers under Section 3 (4) of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, and ascertain from the National Coal Board the reasons for the resignation by Mr. John Hunter of his appointment as production officer, North-Eastern Divisional Coal Board;
(2) if he will issue a general direction to the National Coal Board that all resignations by members of the National 2266 Coal Board and Divisional Boards shall be reported to him together with the reasons, so that this information may be available for hon. Members.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe answer to both Questions is, "No, Sir."
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that much of the disquiet about the Coal Board is due to this policy of drawing an iron curtain around it? With reference to Question No. 25, can he deny that this very capable official resigned because of important differences on policy?
§ Mr. GaitskellThe question of whether or not there is public disquiet about the Coal Board is one thing, but I am quite clear that it is no part of my duties continually to investigate the reasons why people sometimes leave and sometimes come to the employment of the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. JenningsWould not the Minister agree that it is in the best interests of the people who have some feeling on this matter that some explanation should be given of what is now considered a very unsatisfactory situation?
§ Mr. GaitskellAnnouncements have been made in the Press about it.
§ Mr. MarloweBut it is not a question of day to day administration. Mr. Hunter is a £10,000 a year man, is he not? And £10,000 a year men are not lost every day.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe question of Mr. Hunter's resignation is entirely one between him and the National Coal Board.