§ 45. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation his policy with regard to the basis on which chairmen and vice-chairmen of nationalised industries under his control are required to serve, as far as employment in a full-time or part-time engagement is concerned; and upon what basis the salaries are assessed.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe chairmen of the nationalised industries for which I am responsible are appointed full-time. The appointment of a full-time or part-time deputy-chairman depends on the needs of the situation. The salaries are fixed in accordance with Government policy for the remuneration of members of public boards and take account of the responsibilities of the particular post and whether it is whole-time or part-time.
§ Mr. LewisIs it not a fact that both the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of B.O.A.C. are on a part-time basis, and that as the Vice-Chairman is a director of many other concerns he obviously can give virtually no time at all to the Corporation? If the Chairman is to give undoubtedly good advice, help and assistance to a private concern, this great organisation must inevitably suffer.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn answer to the earlier part of the Question, it is simply not the case that the Chairman is, or will 1439 be, on a part-time basis. As regards the Deputy-Chairman, hon. Members will be aware that, under its constitution, two Deputy-Chairmanships are provided for B.O.A.C. That this Deputy-Chairman is on a part-time basis follows the precedent which has been followed without criticism since a similar appointment was made in B.E.A. in 1947.