HC Deb 13 November 1952 vol 507 cc1117-9
43. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Secretary for Overseas Trade as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, how many of the persons appointed by the Minister as independent members of the Raw Cotton Commission are actively engaged in storing or warehousing cotton on behalf of the Commission; and how far such activities act as a bar to appointment.

Mr. Mackeson

None, Sir. The Cotton (Centralised Buying) Act of 1947 lays jointly upon my noble Friend and my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade the duty of satisfying themselves that any person whom they appoint as an independent member of the Raw Cotton Commission has no such financial or commercial interest as is likely to affect him in the discharge of his functions.

This limitation does not apply to the part-time members.

Mr. Wilson

Is it not a fact that one of the newly appointed independent members of this Commission is largely engaged on storehouse and warehouse activities for the Raw Cotton Commission, and is he not aware that one of the purposes of having independent members was to represent the interests of the public and the consumer? Is he satisfied that that is being done?

Mr. Mackeson

The right hon. Gentleman asked me about independent members, and the conditions about part-time members continue as was the case under him and his immediate successor. On the point I think the right hon. Gentleman is making, there are two representative of the operatives and the intention of the 1947 Act was that part-time members should have expert knowledge of the industry.

Mr. Wilson

While I am sure the hon. Member does not want to mislead the House, is it not a fact that one of the part-time members who has been appointed is a contractor of the Commission, and is not that a clear change compared with the policy followed by the previous Government?

Mr. Mackeson

No, Sir, I do not think there is any change of policy.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that it is being stated that the gentleman who has just been appointed to take the place of somebody else is committed to an extent of about 90 per cent. of his own private business as being business with the Raw Cotton Commission? Does he think that that is justifiable?

Mr. Mackeson

Perhaps the hon. Lady will bear in mind that this Question was aimed at the independent members. If she wants to put down a Question concerning the newly appointed part-time member, I shall be pleased to answer it.