HC Deb 18 March 1948 vol 448 cc2265-6
25 and 26. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked 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 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. Gaitskell

The answer to both Questions is, "No, Sir."

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is 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. Gaitskell

The 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. Jennings

Would 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. Gaitskell

Announcements have been made in the Press about it.

Mr. Marlowe

But 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. Gaitskell

The question of Mr. Hunter's resignation is entirely one between him and the National Coal Board.

Hon. Members

Oh.