§ 23. Mr. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will consider introducing legislation to allow chairmen of urban district councils who are employed by the British Transport Commission the same facilities that are granted to lord mayors and mayors in order that they may carry out their civic duties without loss of income.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir. I do not think this an appropriate subject for legislation.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Chairman of the Tonbridge Urban District Council is an engine driver and has important duties towards 20,000 citizens and other functions to perform, including entertaining Royalty from time to time? Is he aware that to fulfil these engagements the chairman has to be out 1181 of pocket, otherwise he must refuse to perform these duties? Is it right that Tonbridge should be unfairly treated because it has no mayor?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have some sympathy with my hon. Friend's point of view, but it seems to me that it is essentially a matter for the Commission as employers to settle in discussions with their employees.