HC Deb 19 July 1955 vol 544 c207
48. Mr. Rankin

asked the Prime Minister to which Minister questions affecting the salaries paid to members of the boards of nationalised industries should be addressed.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Questions about the pay and membership of the board of a nationalised industry should be put to the Minister responsible for making appointments to the Board.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that on 6th July I put a Question to the Minister responsible asking what salary Lord Balfour of Inchrye was being paid as a part-time member of the board of B.E.A.C. and the Minister referred me to a White Paper which is to be published next December? Is the Chancellor further aware that since this Question was put down I received a letter from the Minister, yesterday, telling me that Lord Balfour is to be paid £500 a year? Why did he not answer that Question on the Floor of the House?

Mr. Butler

I have certainly followed this voluminous series of Questions and Answers and the correspondence, which I have with me this afternoon. I am very glad to hear that the hon. Member has at last received the answer he so much desired.