§ 45. Mr. Bossomasked the Prime Minister how many trade union officials have been appointed to positions in nationalised or other Government-controlled industries.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)I am not clear what the hon. Member has in mind. I have no information about, nor have Ministers any responsibility for, the appointment of staffs in socialised industries. The number of trade union or former trade union officials who have been appointed to the Boards of socialised industries, including the executives and the area boards appointed under Statute, is 44.
§ Mr. BossomDoes not the Prime Minister think that it is rather a disservice to the very responsible trade union movement to take its leading negotiators away into other activities, thereby denying their services to the movement?
§ Mrs. CastleCan my right hon. Friend say what proportion this figure represents to the total appointments made to these Boards?
§ The Prime MinisterI should think there are about 350, and, therefore, it is 44 out of 350.
§ Major Tufton BeamishCan the Prime Minister say whether a "socialised" industry is the same as a "nationalised" industry?
§ Mr. GibsonCan the Prime Minister tell us how many directors of companies have been appointed?
§ The Prime MinisterIf that question is put down on the Order Paper, I shall be pleased to answer it.