§ 22. Mr. Errollasked the President of the Board of Trade the present functions of the Controller of Hosiery; what is his present salary; and what personal expenses did he incur during 1948.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe functions of the Hosiery Controller are, in general, to advise the Board of Trade and assist manufacturers in all matters relating to the hosiery industry, and in particular to allocate yarns, ensure the maximum production of hosiery practicable for export, and secure a proper balance among the various types of hosiery goods produced for the home market. The Controller is unpaid and received no personal expenses during 1948.
§ Mr. ErrollCan the President of the Board of Trade say for how long we are to have this volunteer controller?
§ Mr. WilsonFor as long as necessary and not a moment longer.
§ Mr. JenningsCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many staff this official employs on a pay basis; or are they all voluntary?
§ Mr. OsborneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware, and will he state publicly, that this controller is one of the shrewdest businessmen who serve the country, that he has done a magnificent job, that the people in the industry welcome his work, and that his Department is one of the most efficiently run?
§ Mr. WilsonYes, Sir. I am fully aware of that, and so are the trade. I hope the hon. Gentleman will have a little tête-à-tête with his hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on this matter.
§ Mr. ErrollDoes the Minister realise that perhaps my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) is a candidate for this particular office?
§ Mr. WilsonNo, Sir.